A development long touted as an affordable
housing project inched one step closer to fruition, with Tuesday's
Pagosa Springs Town Council approval of the preliminary plan for the
proposed Homes at Rock Ridge Planned Unit Development.

However, the town council's approval was not
without stipulations.

In a motion put forth by council member Bill
Whitbred, and approved by the council, before project developers Todd
and Doug Shelton receive final approval for their project, they are
required to: commit in writing to their proportionate share of the
cost of Great West Avenue and U.S. 160 intersection improvements as
determined by a future traffic study; commit in writing to an
acceptable and agreeable plan to provide affordable housing; help
facilitate the creation of a trail network linking the development to
the Pagosa Springs Elementary School; and commit to improving and
paving Baldwin Way.

The project is located near the intersection
of U.S. 160 and Great West Avenue, and includes plans for 77
residential units, with 108 units slated for buildout. Although it
was unclear during the town council meeting whether the units were
single-family residences or duplexes, Joe Niggs, associate planner
for the Town of Pagosa Springs, said current plans call for 48 duplex
units and three four-plexes and an open space component. The
subdivision is currently designed to provide hookups for 77 mobile
homes.

Although the site is currently in
unincorporated Archuleta County, the town and developers have
discussed the site's annexation into the town.

Whitbred's motion stems from a 16-item list
of town planning staff concerns, among them the potential for
project-related traffic impacts at the intersection of Great West
Avenue and U.S. 160, proposed roads exceeding the town's 8-percent
grade limit, right of way widths and other engineering concerns, and
a clear explanation as to how the developer plans to maintain the
project as a truly attainable or affordable housing
development.

While many issues have been resolved,
including many engineering concerns, the Great West Avenue/U.S. 160
issue, Alpha residents concerns that the development's connection to
their road system via Baldwin Way will negatively impact their
subdivision, and questions regarding guarantees of maintaining the
project as affordable housing remain. As do concerns from council
member Tony Simmons regarding potential ex-parté contact
related to the project.

In an e-mail from Town Planner Tamra Allen,
and provided by Simmons, Allen suggested that the council, during a
Monday town council work session regarding the Rock Ridge project,
discuss and disclose any ex-parté contacts that may have
occurred.

As defined by the Department of Local
Affairs, ex parté contact is any written or verbal
communication initiated outside of a regularly noticed public hearing
between an official with decision-making authority and one or more of
the parties, concerning a particular subject matter which is about to
come under consideration by that official, and which seeks either to
influence or present information relating the matter, which is the
subject of the decision.

Speaking to the council, Patsy Lindblad, of
the Alpha/Rockridge Homeowners Association urged the town to engage
the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in a dialogue
regarding the Great West Avenue/U.S. 160 issue before final approval
takes place.

John Hundley of BootJack Management also
urged the council to include CDOT in the process and to undertake a
traffic study before final approval.

In responding to the public's and town
council's concerns, Shelton said, "Before we build the seventy-eighth
unit, the highway 160 and Great West Avenue have to be
resolved."

Throughout the meeting, the Sheltons
maintained that providing affordable housing remained a priority, and
Todd Shelton said, "Our goal is to work with the city to get the
affordable housing in place."

In other Pagosa Springs Town Council
action:

- the council approved, on second reading,
Ordinance 662, regarding development impact fees and fees in lieu of
public lands dedication. According to the ordinance, impact fees and
fees in lieu of public land dedication include impact fees for:
roads, regional public buildings, regional recreation facilities,
parks, trails, an emergency service provider, water storage and
school fees in lieu of public land dedication.

As written, impact fees for a single-family
residential unit are as follows:

Roads: $818

Regional Public Buildings: $450

Regional Recreation Facilities: $859

Parks: $368

Trails: $464

Emergency Service Provider: $574

Water Storage: $1,129

School Fees in Lieu of Public Land
Dedication: $283

According to the document, developers
requesting development approval will pay the impact fees upon
submittal of a complete application and all submittal requirements.

In cases where development activities
require multiple approvals, such as in annexation, zoning,
subdivision and building permit approval, "impact fees shall be paid
upon the earliest development activity to occur for which the amount
of impact fees can be reasonably calculated.

- the council approved a continuation of an
emergency ordinance passed to suspend processing applications for big
box developments. With the most current ordinance set to expire June
15, the council's approval allows for an extension until Sept.
15.

Town Manager Mark Garcia said town attorney
Robert Cole is recommending this be the town's final big box
moratorium.

The town has enacted various big box
moratoria since August 2004. Town council member Stan Holt said a big
box ordinance is being crafted and is close to completion, although a
final product is not yet ready for presentation to the town
council.

"Progress is being made, and were almost
there," said Holt.

She puts the O in
Pagosa

By Sarah O. Smith

Staff Writer

Why should Oprah visit your hometown?

For Pagosan Maria Gallegos, 24, many reasons
come to mind. So when Gallegos discovered a contest on Oprah's Web
site asking the same question, she decided to enter.

"Everybody at my work was laughing at me,
but I thought it was worth it, I may as well try," said Gallegos. "I
wasn't expecting anything."

Gallegos wrote a letter to Oprah in April
2005 detailing what makes Pagosa Springs worth the trip. As a
lifelong resident of Pagosa, Gallegos was more than qualified to do
justice to the unique aspects of our town in her descriptions. She
told Oprah of the beauty of Pagosa's scenery and changing seasons,
the kindness of its people, and how much she enjoyed working as a
concierge at The Springs Resort.

"I just described Pagosa really well," said
Gallegos.

Gallegos said since Oprah gets millions of
letters, she "didn't expect anything back." But that didn't stop her
from wondering "what if?" for most of this past year.

Gallegos is a self-described "fan and a
half," and cites Oprah as her idol.

"I watch her religiously, every day," said
Gallegos. "She's got the best heart. She gives a lot."

So when Gallegos received a call at work
June 1 from Oprah's crew telling her they were coming to interview
her, she was shocked.

The crew told Gallegos they were coming
without Oprah, and that she should be prepared to give a interview
about why Oprah should come to her hometown for an upcoming
show.

The crew also told Gallegos to keep the
visit quiet. "They said, 'Don't tell a soul.' I thought that was odd,
but I wasn't gonna get my hopes up," said Gallegos. "I wasn't
expecting Oprah. I was freaking out, even for just the crew."

Around 1 p.m. Oprah's film crew arrived at
The Springs. Gallegos said they walked in the door backwards because
they were filming.

"Then Oprah peeks her head in the door and
says 'Is Maria here?'"

After a year of waiting, Oprah had answered
her letter and visited her hometown.

"I couldn't even talk. I was about to
faint," said Gallegos. "My boss was crying."

Oprah arrived with her film crew and her
best friend, Gayle King. Gallegos said after the initial shock, Oprah
took her hand and they walked together through The Springs, talking
and soaking their feet in the tubs. "She talked to me about how
dreams really do come true."

Oprah also asked Gallegos if she'd seen an
episode of her show the previous week. Funnily enough, Oprah asked
Gallegos about the one episode she hadn't seen. She'd missed the show
because she'd had to work late, and she "felt like my whole week was
thrown off." Oprah said Gallegos had to see the episode and got her
address to send her a copy. She also told her she'd call her to let
her know when the episode featuring her visit to Pagosa would
air.

Oprah and her crew then went to lunch at
Kip's Grill and Cantina, where Gallegos and her mother, Mardel, later
joined her. Word got out quickly, and a crowd formed around the
entrance to Kip's, everyone trying to get a better look at Oprah.
Oprah shook some hands and posed for some photos, but then asked not
to be disturbed so she could enjoy her lunch.

"She was actually here just for me," said
Gallegos. "It was crazy. It's still a dream."

"She said she'd never even heard of Pagosa
Springs. She thought it was beautiful."

Oprah did sign copy of the letter Gallegos
wrote her, including the inscription, "Maria - you were worth the
trip and so was Pagosa Springs!"

"I've always said I had to meet her before I
die," said Gallegos. "That was my dream."

Snowpack 6% of average,
reservoir issues remain

By Chuck McGuire

Staff Writer

As of June 1, the combined snowpack of the
San Juan, Animas and Dolores river basins was 6 percent of average.
That's right, just 6 percent.

According to the Natural Resources
Conservation Service of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, continued warm
dry weather over the past couple of months has drastically reduced
the Colorado high-country snowpack. Therefore, as one would expect,
water - or the availability of it - captured the lion's share of
attention at the regular monthly meeting of the San Juan Water
Conservancy District, Tuesday.

In a presentation to the district board, Val
Valentine, of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, reiterated
the state of the Upper San Juan basin snowpack by relating it to
water equivalent. "Normally, at this time of year," he said, "there
are 24.8 inches of water in the snow on Wolf Creek Pass. Right now,
there are just 1.3 inches up there."

Valentine further described how the runoff
from snowmelt in the San Juan basin has already reached its peak, and
flows are now moderating. "The river was at about 1,700 CFS (cubic
feet per second) before Memorial Day, and right now it's holding at
between 600 and 700 CFS."

Valentine also explained how senior water
rights in some of the area's smaller creeks are already on call,
meaning those water users holding junior rights may face water
shortages in the near future.

As unusually warm and dry weather has
persisted over the past two months, the prolonged drought gripping
southern Colorado and the west continues. By the end of May, the
statewide snowpack had dropped to just 26 percent of average, even
after a long string of storms dumped well-above-average snows on the
northern half of the state through January.

And, while forecasters predict the
possibility of afternoon and evening thunderstorms over the next few
days, little relief is in sight. According to the National Weather
Service and AccuWeather.com, skies will remain mostly sunny through
the next two weeks, with only a slight chance of storms through
Saturday. Daytime highs should reach the low- to mid-80s, while lows
will likely range in the mid- to upper 40s.

Fortunately, many of Colorado's reservoirs
are in good shape, with water volumes at or above average levels. But
as dry weather continues and water users call for releases, levels
will fall, and some shortages may develop.

In other matters concerning water
availability, the SJWCD also discussed a proposed reservoir project
planned for the Dry Gulch area east of Pagosa Springs. While the
district awaits a judge's decision in a case filed by Trout
Unlimited, it is working to acquire land necessary to accommodate the
impoundment, once the case is settled.

The reservoir proposal is a joint venture
involving the district and the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation
District. As envisioned, it will eventually hold about 35,000 acre
feet of water and encompass roughly 500 surface acres of territory.
Though progress in its development continues, completion, or even
construction, isn't anticipated for several years. But, when the time
comes, proponents hope to divert up to 200 cubic feet per second
(CFS) of water from the San Juan River to fill it.

Therein lies Trout Unlimited's concern.

While TU doesn't question the need for, or
location of the project, it believes its proposed size is well beyond
the future water needs of both districts, and it believes diverting
200 CFS from the river will drastically reduce its flow and harm
aquatic life. In fact, TU believes that during times of low flows,
like those seen through the summer of 2002, such a diversion could
completely de-water the river.

However, at Tuesday's meeting SJWCD chair
Fred Schmidt assured the public that a legally required "bypass" of
50 CFS would prevent the districts, or any other junior water rights
holders, from drawing any water from the river when its flow drops to
50 CFS or less.

Meanwhile, with a court rendering still a
week or two away, the SJWCD board watched Tuesday night's town
council meeting closely, as the council considered the possible
imposition of additional impact fees on new construction within town
limits. One in particular, the Water Storage Impact Fee, ultimately
passed, and will soon provide revenue exclusively for land
acquisition and construction of the new reservoir.

While scheduled completion of the Dry Gulch
Reservoir is still a long way off, current drought conditions have
local water districts, and water users, looking forward to additional
storage. But first, all must wait and see what a judge's final
opinion is.

Inside The
Sun

New local investigator for
District Attorney's Office

Sarah O. Smith

Staff Writer

George Daniels was sworn in Tuesday, June 6, as the new
investigator for the District Attorney's Office, Sixth Judicial
District.

Employed in the law enforcement field for over 20 years, Daniels
previously worked in both the Pagosa Springs Police Department, as a
patrol officer and investigator, and the Archuleta County Sheriff's
Department, as a detective.

Since the District Attorney's Office works closely with both the
police department and the sheriff's office, Daniels thinks his past
experience with both agencies makes him well equipped for the job.

He will be based in Pagosa Springs and will take the reins from
investigator Pete Gonzales June 16, when Gonzales retires.

Traffic delays at Aspen Village
begin soon

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

As work continues on U.S. 160 near Aspen
Village, motorists traveling through the west side of Pagosa Springs
should plan for construction-related traffic delays.

Beginning early next week, project manager
Mike Church said Boulder Drive at U.S. 160 will be closed, with a
detour route provided through Aspen Village Drive and Cornerstone
Drive.

Later in the week, Church said Alpha Drive
will be closed at U.S. 160 and Aspen Village Drive will serve as the
detour route.

Church said he anticipates detours in the
project area lasting roughly three weeks, and that motorists
unfamiliar with the area should follow the signs. The routes will be
well marked, he said.

The U.S. 160 construction is part of the
Aspen Village project and will include widening the highway;
installation of acceleration and deceleration lanes; installation of
a traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 160 and Aspen Village
Drive; and 5,000 cubic yards of grading and safety
improvements.

Church said peak commuter hours, 7-8:30 a.m.
and 4:30-6 p.m., have been designated as "no work" hours, and
commuters can expect all lanes to be open.

The most significant delays will occur
during the primary project work hours of 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m.

Church encouraged motorists to plan ahead
and allow extra time to travel across town during peak construction
times.

The speed limit through the work zone is 35
miles per hour.

Church said the project remains on schedule,
with an Aug. 1, targeted completion date.

For questions or project updates, call Aspen
Village at 731-3655.

District likely to cut School
Within a School program

Sarah O. Smith

Staff Writer

While the creation of five new math positions at the elementary
school is expected to raise math scores to No Child Left Behind
standards, it will likely be at the expense of the district's School
Within a School program.

Elimination of the program was not formally approved at the
Archuleta County School District 50 Jt. school board meeting May 9;
however, Superintendent Duane Noggle stated that the board did
approve the new math positions, and "it's pretty much decided." The
final decision will be made at the June session.

"No Child Left Behind places very high demands on the school for
accountability and test results," said Terry Alley, grant writer for
the district. These high demands make it difficult for alternative
classroom options like the School Within a School program, which is
geared towards integrating the interests of students with the
learning process through high parental involvement, community service
and multi-age classrooms, to meet state standards. Alley said the
School Within a School program found it too difficult to implement
new grant-funded reading programs in the multi-age classroom.

"We do have to teach to the state standards, that's a
requirement," said Noggle. "Unfortunately, No Child Left Behind is
narrowing the curriculum. A form-fitting curriculum is not possible
anymore."

While the format of School Within a School may no longer be
possible, Noggle said the high parental involvement characteristic of
the program will still be promoted. "We do not discourage parental
involvement in any way, shape or form," said Noggle. Parents will be
welcome to attend the monthly school accountability committee
meetings, at which policies and curriculums will be reviewed.

Noggle said math is "an area where we're really falling short."
The new math specialists will address math needs, and also appease
the need for more teacher planning time. Elementary school teachers
have the least amount of planning time, and they will receive an
extra 50 minutes of planning time while their students are studying
with the math specialists.

"The big issue we needed to solve was more planning time for
teachers," said Noggle. Noggle said the extra planning time will not
only allow teachers more time to plan their instruction and to grade
papers, but also to monitor students more intensely so intervention -
for struggling and excelling students - can be achieved. It will also
provide a teacher time to collaborate with other teachers. Noggle
said this is important because teachers can look at the achievement
gaps between grades and "make sure we didn't miss something."

"The whole idea is we're a team. We need to provide support for
teaching staff to work as a team," said Noggle. "Collaboration is
important."

Noggle said the local school district currently receives 40
percent of its budget from state funding. If the district fails to
meet benchmarks and standards for each grade, it can be put on
"accreditation watch," and the state can take over the school
district.

"Its limiting some of the innovation at the local level," said
Noggle. "The curriculum has to change with the state requirements. We
have to be willing to make those changes and those tough decisions.
This was a very tough one."

The final decision will come at the June meeting, when the school
board will vote on the new budget. If the budget is approved, the
School Within a School program will be eliminated to make room for
the new math positions.

"Anytime you cut a program, it's painful. We understand that,"
said Noggle. "But times change and we need to change with them."

Deitch qualifies for Democratic
primary ballot

Durango resident Jeff Deitch has qualified
for the Democratic primary to represent the 59th District in the
Colorado House of Representatives. Deitch bypassed the traditional
caucus process and instead collected more than 2,000 petition
signatures to qualify for the ballot.

In a press release, Deitch said residents of
all counties in the district - Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma and San
Juan - joined in his petition effort. "I'm very grateful to the
voters for participating in the petition process and showing their
support for it," Deitch said. "People are telling me they're
dissatisfied with old-style politics and I'm listening."

Deitch said he intends to campaign
vigorously throughout the 59th District. He will face former Durango
mayor Joe Colgan in the Aug. 8 primary.

John Egan on local Democratic
primary ballot

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

Despite continued differences in interpretation of state election
statutes between local Democrats and Archuleta County Clerk and
Recorder June Madrid, one fact remains - John Egan will appear on the
primary ballot as the Democratic nominee to the District 3 county
commissioner's seat.

This was the word from both Madrid and Archuleta County Democrats;
however, naming John Egan as the sole nominee to the ballot has not
gone without some confusion.

Following former District 3 commissioner Mamie Lynch's resignation
May 31, Democrats rallied to fill her position, and, as allowed by
state statute, appointed John Egan to the post.

However, during the same meeting, and following Egan's
appointment, Democrats then nominated Egan and Ken Levine as the
Democratic nominees for the District 3 county commissioner's slot on
the August primary ballot.

Rich Goebel, first vice chair of the Archuleta County Democratic
Central Committee, speaking for party chair Ben Douglas who is out of
town, said the "thirty-percent rule kicked in," and because both men
received more than 30 percent of the central committee vote, both men
were entitled to a place on the a ballot.

"At the party meeting May 30, Levine received thirty-four percent
of the votes and candidate John Egan received sixty-five percent.
Both men were legally qualified to run and have their names on the
ballot," wrote Goebel in a press release.

But in nominating two candidates, Madrid said the Democrats
misconstrued and errantly combined state statutes - one regarding
appointment of a candidate following an elected official's
resignation; and the second, a separate statute regarding a party's
entitlement to appoint a candidate to the primary ballot via a
central committee decision when no candidate is produced during the
assembly process.

With red flags raised following the two-man appointment, Madrid
said she contacted the Colorado Attorney General's office for
clarification.

In a letter to Douglas, Madrid wrote, "I have contacted the office
of the Colorado Secretary of State and the Attorney General's Office
for guidance in the matter. The Attorney General's Office has offered
his opinion that the Democrats may only nominate one candidate as
there is only one vacancy. I need to abide by this decision.
Therefore, I am notifying you of my decision that only Mr. John
Egan's name will be certified onto the 2006 Primary ballot."

Goebel said he and local Democrats stand firm in their
convictions, and that their understanding of the statutes was derived
from extensive consultations with party election experts in Denver.

Goebel said he believes the party had the option to name as many
as three candidates, however in his press release, he writes that
Levine has withdrawn his name from the race and Egan will stand as
the sole candidate.

"The party is better off marshaling all forces toward one
candidate," Levine said.

Goebel said Egan is on a long-awaited and well-deserved family
vacation, and he anticipates Egan will return to Pagosa Springs to
take his commissioner's oath on June 16.

Egan will face Republican challenger Bob Moomaw in November for
the District 3, Archuleta County Commissioner's seat.

Celebracion del Rio San Juan
raises funds with fun

By Sarah O. Smith

Staff Writer

The annual Celebracion del Rio San Juan proved once again to be a
hit, drawing a large crowd to Town Park Sunday to enjoy music, food,
contests, raffles and, of course, the river.

The celebration began at 11 a.m. when volunteers arrived to help
clean up the river. Connie Cook of The Friends of the Upper San Juan
said the volunteers hauled two truckloads of trash out of the park.
"The parks look so awesome," said Cook. "It looks great out here."

Crowds gathered in the newly-cleaned park to play, relax and
participate in numerous contests. Four bands entertained the crowd;
String Theory, Up the Creek, Brook's Trout, and The Flying Elmos.
Amber Farnham drew the loudest cheers from the crowd and won the
kayak freestyle contest by riding a giant inflatable turtle. Ellen
Warren, Morgan Reed and Reed's daughter, Samantha, won the raft race
in a cataract boat. P.J. Herrera won the rubber duckie race.

Cook said the raffles and donations raised over $3,000 for the
organization. The Friends of the Upper San Juan is a non-profit
organization dedicated to promoting, celebrating and caring for our
local stretch of the San Juan. Also, $800 was raised to purchase new
whitewater gear for Archuleta County Search and Rescue.

Several large prizes were given away in the raffle, including a
pair of tickets to this weekend's IndieFest, which were awarded to
Tom and Nancy Torrey. Gina Willis of Coyote Hill Lodge donated $500
by purchasing several raffle tickets and duckies for the race. She
also bought T-shirts, decorated with art by Randall Davis, for all
volunteers. Willis' charity paid off when she won kayaking lessons
and a $200 gift certificate from Switchback Mountain Sports.

"It was a huge success and we had a lot of fun," said Cook. "We
look forward to next year."

Critical Access Hospital
project 'on a fast track'

By Chuck McGuire

Staff Writer

At Tuesday's regular board meeting of the Upper San Juan Health
Service District, discussion primarily centered on the upcoming
Critical Access Hospital in Pagosa Springs.

With the project "on a fast track," designers opened the meeting
with a presentation and consideration of a schematic drawing showing
what is believed to be the final layout of the planned facility.
Steve Riley and Jim Classe, of the architectural firm Prochaska and
Associates, described the most recent changes made to both the
schematic and site plan, resulting in a smaller, more efficient
design, and reducing construction costs, allowing builders to remain
on budget.

As planned, the single-level structure will incorporate the
existing Mary Fisher Clinic and encompass 32,317 square feet,
including a 1,384 square-foot ambulance garage.

Though designers reduced the original plan by approximately 1,850
square feet as a cost-saving measure, they also shifted the original
footprint 50 feet to the east, saving considerable costs in
excavation and site work. According to planners and the district, the
current design does not sacrifice function or amenities, and will
allow ample future expansion as needed.

In other hospital-related business, the USJHSD board verbally
agreed to a six-month contract with Larry Arthur, a consultant from
Healthcare Capital Resources, to act as manager of the new hospital,
once it's up and running. Arthur will be paid $5,000 a month for his
services, until a permanent chief executive officer is found.

Contracts with G.E. Johnson Construction and Cooper Medical
Consulting were also considered and approved, which sets in motion
the processes of pre-construction consulting, construction and the
actual equipping of the new hospital.

While the exterior elevation, finish materials and other intricate
design details have yet to be worked out, groundbreaking is planned
for late August or early September. Final completion is scheduled for
the fall of 2007.

Claws for a Cause SIDS
fund-raiser comes to Pagosa, place orders now

On June 17, loads of lobsters will embark on a nearly 2,000 mile
trek from Boston to various dinner tables throughout Pagosa Springs
as part of the annual Claws for a Cause fund-raiser. In its 29th
year, this event is the largest, and longest-running event of its
kind.

In partnership with Wells Fargo, Steamboat Resorts, Bathgate
Capital Partners and InstaKey, the Colorado SIDS Program hopes to
raise over $70,000 to support its bereavement counseling and
educational services.

"Many people think that SIDS no longer exists," said Tena
Saltzman, executive director, "however, babies are still dying.
Without this event," she continued, "we would no longer be able to
fund our programs which help the families affected by SIDS.
Furthermore, we need to continually reinforce the message to parents
on ways to reduce their baby's risk of SIDS."

In addition to live lobsters and frozen lobster tails, Claws for a
Cause offers filet mignon and burgers from Colorado's own Maverick
Ranch Natural Meats. With special pricing to the SIDS Program from
Maverick Ranch and James Hook & Co. in Boston, the Colorado SIDS
Program can offer these items at reasonable prices.

All lobster (and steak) lovers are invited to place their orders
by June 9 for pickup on June 17. Orders are to be picked up between 1
and 2 p.m. at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 115 South Pagosa
Boulevard.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is the leading cause of
death among infants between one month to one year of age, and claims
the lives of about 2,500 infants each year in the United States. It
remains unpredictable despite years of research.

The Colorado SIDS Program serves as the only organization in
Colorado dedicated to raising awareness of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome and its effect on families. By providing free support
groups, counseling and other bereavement services, the SIDS Program
is available to any family who has lost an infant suddenly and
unexpectedly. In addition, the staff of the SIDS Program provides
risk reduction information and presentations throughout the state to
parents, child care providers, medical professionals and first
responders.

For more information contact Vicky Lubthisophon, (888) 285-7437.

Deadline extended for College
in Colorado Scholarship program

As Colorado's middle and high school students register and plan
for their classes next fall, CollegeInvest reminds them to consider
the College in Colorado Scholarship program.

Funded by CollegeInvest, a not-for-profit division of the Colorado
Department of Higher Education, the College in Colorado Scholarship
(CIC) encourages students to consider college a realistic and
affordable option for their future. It prepares them for college by
requiring that participants take rigorous coursework while still in
high school. Furthermore, the scholarship provides incentive for
Colorado's low-income eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders to register
for college preparatory courses now with the goal of receiving
financial support to attend college when that time comes.

Students who meet all of the requirements for the CIC Scholarship
will qualify for up to $1,500 in assistance per year at a qualifying
Colorado college.

"We hope that this scholarship will convince more Colorado
students that they can afford a college education if they want one,"
said Debra DeMuth, director of CollegeInvest. "Lack of financial
resources should not deter academically prepared students from
pursuing postsecondary education. With the CIC scholarship, the key
is simply early planning,"

To be eligible for the CIC Scholarship, a student must:

- Be a legal Colorado resident and apply during eighth or ninth
grade. During the 2005-2006 school year only, 10th-grade students may
also apply. In the future however, only eighth- and ninth-graders
will be eligible.

- Maintain a 2.5 unweighted cumulative GPA or equivalent for all
coursework completed in grades nine through 12.

- Take selected pre-collegiate coursework throughout their high
school career.

- Qualify for financial aid in the form of a Federal Pell Grant
upon enrollment in college (current income of approximately $40,000
or less for a family of four).

Deadline for current ninth and 10th-grade students has been
extended from June 1 to Aug. 1, 2006. (Current eighth- graders have
until June 1, 2007, to apply.) Download an application at
CollegeInColorado.org or call CollegeInvest at 1-800-COLLEGE for more
information.

The College in Colorado Scholarship is just one resource to help
Colorado students and families pay for college. For additional
financing resources, visit the CollegeInvest Web site at
www.collegeinvest.org.

CollegeInvest is a not-for-profit division of the Colorado
Department of Higher Education that helps Colorado students and
families overcome the financial barriers to college. Since 1979,
CollegeInvest has helped more than half a million families pay for
college through low-cost student and parent loans, college savings
plans, scholarships, free information and planning tools.

Public invited to Government
Water Roundtable

The public is invited to attend the next meeting of the Government
Water Roundtable 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at the San Juan
Public Lands Center.

The agenda will include preliminary drafts of some of the
water-related content to be addressed by National Forest and BLM plan
revisions. The agenda will also include follow-up discussions on
baselines for permit renewals, by-pass flows, Ditch Bill easements,
facility issues, and the Wild and Scenic River inventory.

Opportunities for public interaction and questions will be offered
throughout the day.

Meetings are hosted by the San Juan Public Lands Center to discuss
management of water on BLM and U.S. Forest Service lands in
southwestern Colorado. Information gathered at the meetings will be
incorporated into the upcoming San Juan National Forest Land
Management Plan and the BLM Resource Management Plan.

Health department creates
program for Latino residents

Promoviendo la Salud is a new grant-funded program of the San Juan
Basin Health Department.

The goal of Promoviendo La Salud is to reduce health disparities
among Latino residents of Archuleta and La Plata counties.

The primary focus is the prevention of chronic disease, including
cervical and breast cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular illness. The
method is to access the target population via culturally appropriate
outreach activities, provide information and education to empower
people to make healthy lifestyle choices, identify individuals who
might be at risk for chronic disease, and assist those individuals in
managing their health.

The staff of Promoviendo consists of a nurse coordinator, a health
educator and three "promotoras," or community health workers.

Promotoras are bilingual, bicultural members of the community, who
will serve as liaisons between the medical community and the clients,
providing information, support and referrals in a culturally
sensitive manner.

While the program does not aim to provide direct services (apart
from basic screenings), the hope is that it will be able to develop
excellent working relationships for referral to other service
providers in the area, to facilitate provision of existing services
to an underserved population.

Education will include such topics as obesity and weight loss,
nutrition and exercise, lowering cholesterol, and the importance of
early screenings for cervical and breast cancer. The risk
identification will be accomplished by a series of basic screenings,
which will include blood pressure, pulse oximetry, BMI calculation
and counseling, blood sugar and lipid testing.

Promotoras will provide follow up and referrals to any individuals
for whom it is indicated.

Contact Karen Forest at 247-5702, Ext. 2067, for further
information or to arrange a presentation for your staff or other
group.

Call center and Web site for
Smoke-Free Colorado questions

To help residents and business owners understand the nuances of
the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, the statewide smoke-free law,
Colorado is launching an informational call center and a Web site.
The free call center at (888) 701-2006 has been available 24 hours a
day, seven days a week starting June 5. The Web site,
www.smokefreeColorado.org, also went live June 5.

Colorado's statewide smoke-free law, which goes into effect July
1, requires most indoor public areas including restaurants, bars and
most workplaces to be smoke-free.

The call center, staffed by trained, qualified operators, is
designed to handle a large number of calls in a very short period of
time. The state anticipates significant interest from mid-June, two
weeks before the law goes into effect, to a few weeks after the law
is implemented at the beginning of July. Callers, after initially
being identified as individuals or business owners, are offered the
options of receiving automated, pre-recorded information on the most
frequently asked questions or talking to a live operator to have
their individual questions answered.

Business owners may have questions about exemptions to the law and
will learn that, essentially, the only exemptions are casinos,
cigar-tobacco bars, retail tobacco businesses, up to a quarter of
hotel and motel rooms, limousines for-hire and Denver International
Airport's smoking lounge. Callers also can ask questions about how
the law impacts them, such as how far away from building entrances
they must be to smoke, penalties for violating the law, enforcement
and informational materials for businesses.

The Web site will provide comprehensive information for the
general public; proprietors of bars, restaurants, gaming halls and
other businesses; local health agencies; and community partners.
Information on the new site will include: collateral and signage
related to the law available to order for free to help business
owners educate their customers and employees; fact sheets, press
releases and FAQs; a section for businesses with information about
compliance, employee education and economic impact; information about
smoking cessation and Colorado's Quitline and QuitNet counseling
services; TV spots airing to educate Coloradans about the new law;
and text of the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act.

All Web site content will be available in both English and
Spanish; in addition, an online fact sheet will be translated into 12
languages to ensure all understand the law.

Smoke-free laws are proving to be an effective way to improve
public health by reducing people's exposure to secondhand smoke,
which has been shown to be harmful to both adults and children and
causes about 53,000 deaths per year in the United States. Colorado is
the 13th state to enact a smoke-free law, creating healthier
environments for people while they're in public indoor places. People
living, working and visiting in Colorado will benefit from having
access to healthier indoor environments wherever they go.

In Colorado, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death.
Surveys of Colorado smokers have found that 85 percent of them want
to quit. The Colorado Quitline, (800) 639-QUIT, is a free telephone
coaching service that supports smokers through the quitting process
and offers up to eight free weeks of the patch. Telephone coaching
with the patch shows a 40-42 percent success rate, versus only 3
percent for Colorado smokers quitting on their own.

Smoke-Free Colorado is a statewide coalition of health and
community organizations including the American Heart Association,
American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, GASP of Colorado
(Group to Alleviate Smoking Pollution), Colorado Tobacco Education
and Prevention Alliance and the State Tobacco Education and
Prevention Partnership. Together, Smoke-Free Colorado is working to
educate the public about the state's smoke-free law that goes into
effect July 1, 2006.

New machines, new centers await
primary voters

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

There will be no dangling chads in Archuleta
County.

Although not necessarily a mandate by
Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder June Madrid, the recent arrival
of new electronic voting equipment - called Direct Recording
Equipment, or DREs - should eliminate dangling chads and other
potential voting related problems, in addition to providing voters
with myriad disabilities a way to exercise one of their fundamental
rights.

According to Madrid, the county's
procurement of three electronic voting machines stems from the
requirements of the 2002 Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The act
mandates that each polling place will have voting equipment that can
accommodate the needs of all electors, regardless of their physical
limitations.

Although county clerks statewide support
citizens' right to vote, Madrid said many have scrutinized the new
machines because of their rushed production, a high price tag, and
the potential for software glitches or other electronic mishaps -
each machine costs roughly $12,000 with associated software, set-up
and technical support costs. But, Madrid said, those who the voting
equipment is designed to serve, the physically challenged and
disabled, have strongly supported the new technology. And in that
regard, Madrid said the new, Hart-manufactured DREs are
impressive.

According to Madrid, the machines can
accommodate all voters, from quadriplegics to the deaf or blind, to
those without any disabilities. But in order to serve such a wide
array of people, the machines require software programing and
extensive training for county election officials.

In order to prepare election officials and
the public for the upcoming voting season, Madrid said she and her
staff have spent days with Hart representatives learning the new
machines, and last Friday, conducted a mock election with county
staff.

By nearly mid-day Friday, Madrid had
processed 21 voters with few difficulties.

"So far it has been positive," Madrid
said.

With the success of the mock election,
Madrid said the county election office, located on the ground floor
of the Archuleta County Courthouse, will be open during regular
business hours for the public to try the new machines before the Aug.
8 primary. In addition, Madrid will conduct an orientation seminar
June 14 at the senior center in the Pagosa Springs Community Center,
followed by a similar orientation session June 15 at the Arboles
Senior Center.

She added that if a particular group wanted
an orientation session, they can make arrangements by calling the
Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder's office.

Madrid said the machines will also be
available for early voting, and will undergo the most significant
test during the primary. Although, as an alternative to the new
electronic voting machines, Madrid said electors can still cast a
paper ballot during the primary.

"You can still vote the old way, but we're
going to ask that people take the time and use the machines," Madrid
said.

Madrid estimated the new electronic voting
equipment will require about 10 minutes for voters to cast their
ballots.

While the new voting machines are
undoubtedly different from their paper ballot predecessors, the
process of casting one's ballot in Archuleta County will be different
as well.

Following an early May decision by the
Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners, voters will now cast
their ballots at one of three vote centers rather than their usual,
precinct polling place.

The move stems from the county's need to
meet HAVA requirements coupled with a grant funding shortfall.

Under the county's former, 10-precinct
arrangement, HAVA mandates that 10 DREs would have to be purchased -
one for each precinct - to accommodate the needs of disabled
voters.

Madrid explained that in order to fund the
installation of the equipment, the county was to receive a grant for
roughly $160,000. However, when grant funding arrived, Madrid said
the county received only $56,000. Therefore, rather than anteing up
funds the county did not have on voting equipment that, as of yet, is
unproven in the field, the board of county commissioners opted to
institute vote centers, thus keeping the county in line with HAVA
requirements and within its budget.

How vote centers
work

In the past, electors voted at a polling
place based on their place of residence. With vote centers, electors
will cast their ballots at the nearest, or most convenient, vote
center location.

Prior to the election, Madrid said electors
will receive a signature card in the mail. The card must be filled
out and brought, along with a valid form of identification, to the
election center on election day - the primary is on Aug 8 and the
general election is Nov. 7. If an elector does not receive a
signature card via mail, one can be filled out at the vote center.
However, Madrid said electors should budget extra time for the
procedure.

Once at the vote center, electors will
present their documents to election officials, and a ballot
containing all pertinent questions relating to where the elector
lives, such as questions regarding special taxation districts, will
be produced.

To cast their ballots, voters will have a
choice between the familiar paper ballot or using one of the new
voting machines.

The following are the three Pagosa Springs
vote center locations:

- Archuleta County Elections Department, 449
San Juan St. - on the backside and in the basement of the Archuleta
County Courthouse.

- Our Savior Lutheran Church, 56 Meadows Dr.
at the intersection of west U.S. 160 and Meadows Drive.

- The Restoration Fellowship Church, 264
Village Drive, located behind City Market west.

2006 Election
Calendar

Primary Election Dates

July 10 - Last day to register or change
party affiliation to vote in the 2006 primary election.

July 10-Aug. 4 - Early voting during regular
business hours.

Aug. 1 - Last day to apply for an absentee
ballot if mailed by the county clerk's office. Unaffiliated voters
may not apply for an absentee ballot.

Aug. 4 - Last day to apply for an absentee
ballot if not mailed - picked up only.

Aug. 8 - Election day 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

In a primary election, each major political
party nominates which candidate(s) it will send to the general
election. Minor parties and unaffiliated candidates do not
participate in the primary election. An eligible voter must be
affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican party in order to
vote in that party's primary election. Unaffiliated voters may
participate by declaring a party affiliation prior to, or on Aug. 8,
2006.

General Election Dates

Oct. 10 - Last day to register to vote in
the 2006 general election.

Oct. 10-Nov. 3 - Early voting during regular
business hours.

Oct. 27 - Last day to apply for an absentee
ballot if mailed by the county clerk's office.

Nov. 3 - Last day to apply for an absentee
ballot if not mailed - picked up only.

Nov. 7 - Election Day, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Rotary parade applications
available June 9

The Pagosa Springs Rotary Club Independence Day Parade Committee
has selected "Helping Others Be Independent" as the 2006 July parade
theme.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4.

Application forms will be available at the Chamber of Commerce
office by June 9. Parade applications should be received by the
Pagosa Springs Rotary Club (P.O. Box 685) or at the Chamber office by
June 28. Anyone intending to enter the parade must have an
application in by that time. There is no entry fee.

The Pagosa Springs Independence Day Parade, stretching from 8th
Street to 2nd Street, is one of the largest parades in the Southwest,
drawing around 100 entries, with spectators numbering in the
thousands every year.

Organizers invite everyone to participate in the event.

CDOT, CSP, local agencies
improve safety in highway work zones

By Mindy Lane

Special to The SUN

Now that construction season is in full swing, it is time to ramp
up enforcement in highway work zones in order to improve highway
safety for motorists and construction and maintenance workers alike.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in partnership with
the Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Contractor's Association, has
kicked off its annual Slow for the Cone Zone campaign to target
unsafe driving practices in work zones across the state for the
duration of the summer.

"Often unsafe driving practices occur because motorists are
distracted by many sources including cell phones, radios, food and
even children," said CDOT Chief Engineer Craig Siracusa. "When you
combine the distraction with the ever-changing environment in a work
zone, the results can become hazardous and even deadly."

In 2004 (the most recent statistics available), 1,886 crashes
occurred in Colorado work zones resulting in 757 injuries and 14
deaths. In 2003, there were 2,406 crashes in Colorado work zones
resulting in 1,036 injuries and 11 deaths.

To help improve safety on our highways, the Slow for the Cone Zone
campaign includes a major enforcement component with overtime law
enforcement targeting select work zones across the state. CDOT is
providing a safety grant for $125,000, to the Colorado State Patrol
and other local agencies to increase enforcement of unsafe driving in
CDOT project work zones.

"Like with past years, we will be actively enforcing in work zones
across the state and ticketing motorists who are unsafe and careless
in the work zones," said CSP Chief Mark Trostel. "The difference will
be that motorists can now be fined doubled for speeding violations as
well as numerous other violations related to careless driving."

In 2005, state Rep. Jerry Frangas sponsored House Bill 1151 also
known as the Lopez-Forster Act in honor of Eladio Lopez and Paul
Forster, two CDOT maintenance employees who were killed in 2004 when
a drunk driver crashed into their work zone. The new law will take
effect July 1, doubling the fines within a work zone that relates to
traffic violations, pedestrian violations, passing violations and
other offenses such as following to closely. Currently, the law only
doubles the fine for speeding in a work zone. The funds from the fine
increase will be used for work zone safety signage, equipment and
additional enforcement on highway work zones.

"It's my hope and belief the Lopez-Forster Act will help save
lives and reduce injuries on Colorado's highways," said
Representative Frangras. "When the first bill was passed in 1997,
doubling fines for speeding, we saw a decrease in speeding-related
accidents the following year. By 2003, the number of speed-related
accidents was cut in half while the number of overall construction
zone accidents increased. This new bill will hopefully create those
same results for all construction zone accidents."

Safety enforcement activity will be increased through the
following highway projects in this region ofthe state:

- Colo. 172, New Mexico to Ignacio, resurfacing.

- U.S. 160, Yellow Jacket to Keyah Grande, resurfacing.

- U.S. 550 north of Durango, resurfacing.

- U.S. 285, north side of Poncha Pass (mileposts 119 to 126.2),
chip seal (preventative maintenance).

- Colo. 62 and U.S. 550 in Ridgway, resurfacing and minor
widening.

"The main goal of this campaign is to improve safety on Colorado
highways as the majority of work zone crashes are preventable," added
Siracusa. "We hope that the extra enforcement and the doubled fines
will grab the attention of motorists and get them to slow down and be
patient. We need everyone including motorists to fulfill their role
in highway safety and Slow for the Cone Zone."

Backcountry Horsemen meet
tonight

The June meeting of the Four Corners Backcountry Horsemen will be
held at 7 p.m. today, June 8, at the Pine River Valley 4 Square
Church in Bayfield, one mile north of the roundabout on CR 501.

The program will be "The Arborglyphs of the Pine-Piedra Stock
Driveway," presented by Nicole Smith of the San Juan Mountains
Association.

"Stockmen used to herd sheep and cattle from the Arboles area
north through Vallecito to Silverton each spring for summer pasture.
Their history is carved onto the old aspen trees along the driveway,"
Smith said. "Some of the glyphs are really fascinating."

Sign up at the meeting for the June hands-on packing clinic
scheduled for June 10.

The clean-up and fix-up rides at lower Dutch Creek and lower
Elbert Creek will be finalized.

The July 13 meeting will be held at the La Plata County
Fairgrounds in Durango.

Blanco POA to hold annual
meeting

The Lower Blanco Property Owners will have their 24th annual
meeting at noon, June 17, at the Blanco River RV Park on U.S. 84.
Bring a favorite side dish and eating utensils.

For information, call Margaret Wilson at 264-4246.

Volunteers needed for home
delivery meal program

Are you looking for a way to volunteer some time to your community
and make an immediate impact on someone's life?

The Silver Foxes Den Senior Center has an opportunity for you to
make new friends while you donate one lunch hour per week to the home
delivery meal program for our senior citizens.

Applications are currently being accepted from individuals as well
as businesses, churches and other organizations that would like to
make a difference. All applicants must provide their own vehicles and
be available in one-hour increments once a week. The Den is also
accepting applications for substitute drivers. A background check
will be completed on all applicants.

Adopt a home delivery route today and brighten the lives of a few
senior citizens.

For more information, contact Musetta at 264-2167.

High school honors list, second
semester

The final honor roll of the school year has been released by
Pagosa Springs High School

With a formal appeal filed by Colorado Wild in opposition to the
U.S. Forest Service's decision regarding access to the proposed
Village at Wolf Creek, and more legal battles expected, Friends of
Wolf Creek is stepping in to help.

"We're raising funds to continue our opposition to the proposed
Village at Wolf Creek," said Marilyn Hutchins of the Friends of Wolf
Creek.

To that end, Hutchins said that on June 24 her group will host a
garage/yard sale at the former Piedra Laundromat in Pagosa Springs,
with proceeds going to help pay attorney's fees for Colorado Wild's
and Friends of Wolf Creek's fight against the Forest Service decision
and the development of the 10,000 person, luxury village slated for
construction adjacent to the Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Hutchins said Colorado Wild attorneys have been working for wages
well below the hourly scale, or for free, because they believe in the
cause.

In March 2006, Forbes magazine ranked Village developer, Billy Joe
"Red" McCombs among the world's richest people, and with a net worth
of $1.2 billion, as 645th of the world's 793 billionaires.

Hutchins said donations of goods are needed for the sale, and
items could be dropped off at the laundromat between 3 and 6 p.m.,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week prior to the event.

Hutchins said volunteers are needed to help pick up merchandise,
to price items and to help organize items during the sale.

The former Piedra Laundromat is located at 120 Piedra Road, next
to Pepper's Mexican Restaurant in Pagosa Springs.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Hutchins at
731-9414.

Chimney Rock Full Moon Program
set for Saturday

By Karen Aspin

Special to The SUN

Visitors can enjoy popular Native American flute player Charles
Martinez as he accompanies the full moon program scheduled Saturday,
June 10, at Chimney Rock Archaeological Area.

Martinez, a native Pagosan of Jicarilla Apache and Navajo
heritage, is a master of the traditional style of Indian flute
playing and has been a local crowd pleaser for many years.

While awaiting the moon's approximate 8 p.m. arrival near the
Great House Pueblo site, visitors will learn about the Ancestral
Puebloans, the archaeological relationship of Chimney Rock to Chaco
Canyon, and archaeoastronomy theories. Glenn Raby, USFS Geologist,
San Juan National Forest, Pagosa District, is the program host.

Tickets are $15, and reservations are required, as these popular
programs are generally sold out in advance. Visitors should schedule
two to three hours for the evening's event. Due to program length and
the hike involved to the mesa top, the program is not recommended for
children under 12.

The gate will be open from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for those attending the
full moon program. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated. The program
begins at 7:30 p.m.

As an added feature to the Full Moon Program, the Chimney Rock
Interpretive Association (CRIA) offers an optional guided early tour
of the lower archaeological sites at Chimney Rock for an additional
fee of $5. The gate opens at 5:30 p.m. for those who have signed up
for the early tour prior to the Full Moon Program.

Visitors need to come prepared for the outdoors by bringing a
flashlight - a necessity when navigating down the trail after the
program - warm clothing, good walking shoes, and a blanket or cushion
to sit on during the program. No food or pets, please. A "light
brigade" of CRIA volunteers is stationed along the trail to assist
visitors as they return to their vehicles. The view back to the mesa
top from below features an unforgettable view as the stream of lights
snakes down the trail. In the event of bad weather, the program will
be canceled and possibly rescheduled for the following evening.

For those interested in the Major Lunar Standstill (MLS), the moon
will not rise between Chimney Rock and Companion Rock during this
Full Moon Program event. Please review the MLS section of the Chimney
Rock Web site for the 2006 schedule and details on the MLS programs.
MLS tickets went on sale May 15 and are selling fast; the July,
August and December programs are already sold out, with waiting lists
established.

Tickets for the Summer Solstice Sunrise Program Wednesday, June
21, are also on sale now.

Chimney Rock Archeological Area is located 17 miles west of Pagosa
Springs, three miles south of U.S. 160 on Colo. 151. For reservations
and more information, call the CRIA office at 264-2287 from 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. Monday through Friday, or check the Web site at
www.chimneyrockco.org.

Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, Inc., sponsors the Full
Moon Program in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, San Juan
National Forest, Pagosa Ranger District.

Summer hours at Pagosa Ranger
district office

The Pagosa Ranger District Field Office at 2nd and Pagosa streets
is now keeping summer hours, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, and
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday. The office phone number is 264-2268.

The office offers maps, books, permits, educational items and
other materials for sale. Free U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management information is also available.

Information on the San Juan National Forest can be found on the
Web at www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/.

Information on BLM lands, including Canyons of the Ancients
National Monument and Anasazi Heritage Center, can be found on the
Web at www.co.blm.gov/ahc and www.co.blm.gov/canm.

Watch the first sunrise of
summer at Chimney Rock

By Karen Aspin

Special to The SUN

Summer solstice is the longest day of the year, with sunrise
occurring the farthest north on the horizon for the entire year.

Watch the sun rise over the San Juans from a vantage point at
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area Wednesday, June 21, the first day of
summer, and discuss how the Ancient Puebloans may have survived and
why they celebrated the solstice.

This unique two- to three-hour event begins at Sun Tower - a place
not visited on regular tours - and concludes at Stone Basin,
providing two viewing locations.

Tickets are $15 and reservations are required. Due to the hiking
and the length of the program, it's suggested that children under 12
not attend.

Visitors need to come prepared for the outdoors by wearing
appropriate clothing and good walking shoes. A blanket or cushion to
sit on during the program will enhance the experience.

The gate will be open from 5-5:05 a.m., after which there will be
no admittance. Sunrise is estimated at approximately 5:48 a.m., and
the program runs about two hours in length.

Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is located 17 miles west of
Pagosa Springs, three miles south of U.S. 160 on Colo. 151. For more
information or to make a reservation, call the Visitors' Cabin at
883-5359 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Web site visitors will find more
information on www.chimneyrockco.org.

This event is sponsored by Chimney Rock Interpretive Association,
Inc., in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, San Juan National
Forest, Pagosa District.

DOW establishes Colorado
Wildlife Habitat Protection Program

The Colorado Division of Wildlife, in conjunction with the
Colorado Habitat Stamp Committee and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO),
has announced a request for applications for funding habitat
protection in Colorado.

This new initiative will be known as the Colorado Wildlife Habitat
Protection Program.

The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program provides an
avenue for private landowners, land trusts or other conservation
organizations to conserve critical habitat throughout the state. Open
enrollment for all program applications will be from June 1, 2006, to
July 31, 2006.

Up to $20 million will be made available through DOW funds,
Colorado Habitat Stamp funds, GOCO and some federal grant money for
the best applications received. The emphasis will be placed on the
purchase of easements to ensure that all reasonable avenues are
pursued prior to fee simple acquisition. However, fee title purchases
are allowed.

The main priorities for the program are important habitat for sage
dependent species including critical winter range and migration
corridors for big game species, Gunnison and greater sage grouse
habitat, Front Range riparian communities, important access for
wildlife recreation opportunities, critical wetlands, shortgrass
prairie species and lesser prairie chicken habitat.

Habitat loss can be a factor in the decline of wildlife species in
Colorado. The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program will work
to conserve remaining habitat.

"This program is a tremendous step forward for conservation in
Colorado," said Bruce McCloskey, director of the DOW. "Partnering
with other conservation organizations and landowners to multiply our
resources will help Colorado conserve wildlife habitat. Both the
residents and the wildlife of this state will benefit from this new
program."

The monies raised to date by the new Colorado Habitat Stamp
Program provided the catalyst to initiate this comprehensive effort
to protect habitat and wildlife.

Through the combination of these funding programs, the DOW is able
to bring together an array of species protection and land
conservation tools and incentives not otherwise available.

For more information on how to apply, visit
http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/PrivateLandProgram/WildlifeHabitatProtectionProgram.

Free youth fishing clinic at
Echo Lake

The Colorado Division of Wildlife will host a free youth fishing
clinic June 10 at Echo Lake State Wildlife Area.

The clinic, for youth ages 15 and under, will be held 9 a.m.-noon
at the Echo Lake State Wildlife Area, about three miles south of
Pagosa Springs on U.S. 84.

You may register youngsters ages 15 and under at Ponderosa
Do-It-Best or at the Ski and Bow Rack prior to the event. Youth must
be accompanied by an adult and habitat stamps will not be required
for adults accompanying youth during the clinic. All fishing gear and
bait will be provided.

Door prizes will be given out which were donated by the following
sponsors: Ponderosa Do-It-Best, Ski and Bow Rack, Backcountry
Anglers, Let It Fly, Terry's ACE Hardware and Durango Walmart.

The San Juan Mountains Association and San Juan Public Lands are
sponsoring a free tour of the Missionary Ridge burned area at
Vallecito.

There will be an emphasis on fire ecology and rehabilitation
efforts.

The tour will be held 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 17.

For more information or to register, call 385-1210.

Local RMEF chapter awards
scholarship

By David Bohl

Special to The SUN

The San Juan Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)
is proud to award a $2,000 scholarship to Jake Cammack, graduating
senior at Pagosa Springs High School.

Jake was awarded the scholarship to attend Fort Lewis College and
intends to major in a GIS mapping field. During both his sophomore
and junior summers in high school, Jake worked with the University of
New Mexico doing GIS studies.

Funding for the scholarship is raised through a raffle conducted
each year by the San Juan Chapter. All funds raised from the raffle
are awarded to local Pagosa Springs graduating seniors. The winners
of this year's raffle, which were drawn at the local annual RMEF
banquet June 3, were Carrie Campbell, John Thompson and Dave Vitek.

Over the last three years, the chapter has been able to award
$7,000 to four high school graduates through the generosity of your
participation in our scholarship raffle program.

We want to express our gratitude to all the people who purchased
tickets to support the scholarship program and the banquet.

Catch and Release

Casting with a classic - the
ideal, Rocky Mountain, high country fly

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

I pushed out into the lake and slowly kicked away from the heavily
forested shoreline. As the trees gradually receded, the water shifted
from copper-brown to black, the lake deepened and soon the silty lake
bottom disappeared.

As I kicked, I scanned the surrounding forest for activity.
Nothing moved - not even birds. The lake felt eerie, its black water
cold and malevolent, as though it would come alive in an instant,
swallowing me and the float tube whole, and I would vanish without a
trace. Despite the foreboding, I continued kicking toward the lake's
center, my fins barely visible just a foot under water.

Wind rippled the surface of the lake. Stacks of cumulus clouds
drifted across the sky, obscuring the sun. I pulled on a jacket to
ward off the chill. Once in the center, I let the breeze push me
toward the far bank, to a stretch of shoreline where scores of downed
spruce lay haphazardly scattered and partially submerged like a
giant's abandoned game of pick-up-sticks. As I neared the deadfall, I
reached for a forgotten corner of my fly box and extracted a nearly
forsaken fly. And, as I tied it to the end of a 9-foot leader, I
drifted back to an afternoon in an Albuquerque fly shop.

Nearly three years ago, while in one of my old flyfishing haunts,
and after expressing a desire to fish wet flies, a friend gave me two
flies to add to my fly box - streamer versions of the Royal Coachman.
At the time, he described them as "classic" fly patterns, and despite
his recommendation that they might produce trout when all else
failed, I stuffed them into a crowded corner of my wet-fly box, and
never removed them again. In retrospect, I don't remember having
anything against fishing the venerable fly; it was just that the
Coachman didn't resemble anything I had ever seen in the water, yet I
later realized that's precisely the fly's allure and its charm.

Contrary to the current "match-the-hatch" trend in fly angling,
the Royal Coachman speaks of an entirely different era in flyfishing.
Whereas today's anglers and fly tiers often go to great pains to
present elaborate and exact duplications of the naturals, the Royal
Coachman harkens back the days of Hemingway and Zane Grey, to gut
leaders, leather fly wallets and bamboo rods, to days when
flyfishermen cast gaudy patterns to all species of trout. And this is
exactly what fishing the Royal Coachman is all about.

Like a Royal Wulff, Humpy, Stimulator or Madame X, the Royal
Coachman imitates nothing in particular and works best when trout
aren't picky or feeding selectively. It's an ideal, Rocky Mountain,
high country fly. But unlike some of the more contemporary attractor
patterns, the Royal Coachman is rich in history, and is one of the
storied, and most popular patterns in American flyfishing. And of all
fly patterns, the Royal Coachman probably holds the record for
variations, including large salmon fly patterns down to size 18 dry
flies, with styles ranging from wet, to dry, to streamers, parachute
and Trudes. With the multitude of variations, it can be difficult to
trace the fly's origins, yet angling historians largely agree, the
Royal Coachman is an Old World fly, with a decidedly New World twist.

According to angling lore, the predecessor to today's Royal
Coachman originated in Britain, yet once it arrived in the New World,
the pattern was adapted to American flyfishing tastes. According to
A.J. McClane, writing in his book, "The Practical Fly Fisherman," one
of the first to provide the New World adaptation was John Haily, a
professional fly tier living in New York, who, in 1878, tied one of
the first Royal Coachman's on which today's patterns are based.
According to McClane, the bodies of Haily's, and other early Coachman
flies, were tipped with gold and tinsel, and the fly was tied without
a tail. The lack of a tail, McClane wrote, made for a poorly floating
dry fly, and the addition of such was a dramatic improvement to the
pattern.

According to McClane, the second major improvement came in 1930
when Reuben Cross of Neversink, N.Y., replaced the long-popular fan
wings with white hair wings in an effort to improve the Coachman's
durability. In his book, McClane writes that L.Q Quackenbush of the
Beaverkill Trout Club asked Cross to dress Royal Coachmans using
something more durable than the typical fragile, white breast
feathers commonly tied onto the fly. According to McClane, Cross
decided that stiff, white hair might work as an appropriate and
durable replacement for the feather wings, and Cross eventually
located impala tails, whose kinky, stiff hair seemed well suited to
the task. As per Quackenbush's request, Cross modified the fly with
the impala hair, and with the adaptation, the Quack Coachman, later
to be called the Royal Coachman, was born.

As I neared the submerged logs, none of Haily's, Cross' or
Quackenbush's efforts seemed relevant. And questions of impala hair
versus breast feathers seemed of little consequence. What mattered
was I was alone, fishing in alpine solitude in prime brook trout
country.

I began to cast.

From my position nearly 50 feet off the bank, I launched long
double-hauls into the tangle of underwater conifer trunks. As the
sinking line touched the water and the fly landed with a plop, I
counted slowly, letting the line sink. Once the fly was down to a
sufficient depth, I began a quick, jerky, wet fly retrieve. The
technique proved effective, and I landed two solid 14-inch brookies.

With the breeze still blowing I drifted farther down lake. As I
passed the deadfall, I traced the outlines of the massive, submerged
tree trunks and followed their shapes out into the lake to a point
where they disappeared into the deep black water, and there, in those
imperceptible depths, I launched a cast. The fly landed with a slight
splash, and I let it sink, counting to 10, then 20, and on to 25. The
lake sucked the fly down, and when I was sure I would snag on the
bottom, I pulled three quick strips on the line and suddenly, a
piscine sledgehammer pounded the fly.

The impact caused me to curse out loud, but when I realized I
wasn't snagged on a log, I braced for the fight. I felt like
Hemingway's character in the "Old Man and the Sea," and together, the
trout and me battled our way out across the lake.

The surging fish pulled my float tube in circles, and ran in a
zigzag route up the shoreline. I let the fish run, keeping it checked
on the reel, and keeping it out of the deadfall it was so desperately
trying to reach. We played the game for some time, its advances
checked by the reel, then it would surge again - each play resulting
in less line being forfeited, and slowly I brought the trout in.

As I eased it in on its side, the full length and girth of the
trout was revealed. When I laid the fish gently across my lap its
beauty was staggering - an 18-inch brook trout, a rare specimen - and
I turned the hook, and slipped it back into the water, and with a
flash of its tail, it plunged deep and vanished.

I won't tell you where I caught the fish, but I'll tell you what I
caught it on - a streamer-tied version of the venerable classic, the
Royal Coachman.

Letters

Army birthday

Dear Editor:

On June 14, 2006, the unbeatable United States Army will celebrate
its 231st birthday. Over the years, fine men and women have
sacrificed their lives, their fortunes and their happiness to give us
the freedom we enjoy today. From the time we first saw that our flag
was still there, through the many necessary wars, the army stood fast
and has given us a nation under God, dedicated to individual freedom.

Sometimes it's difficult to realize what our army has done for us.
Our nation is now under attack from without and within in a global
war. We must stand firm and support what the army does for us day in
and day out. If we do, the army will defeat those who envy us, our
freedom and our economic status. We at home must support our troops
and our leaders.

Don't believe every headline. Instead, try to put yourself in the
place of those involved when you hear derogatory things. Search for
the good headlines. Just what have John Doe and your army
accomplished today? You will find there have been many good things
and much progress, albeit at great cost. Most good news may not be
available unless you demand it. Today's army is staffed with
exceptional male and female volunteers, equipped with the best
equipment available and together with the supporting services, the
finest ever assembled.

You should be proud of your army. I know you are, as am I. They
are the finest army in the world and, if you let them, they will
continue to assure your freedom and this great nation of ours. Happy
birthday, army, job well done! Keep it up!

Donald H. Bartlett

Begun to learn?

Dear Editor:

A tale of two presidents, or has George W. Bush began to learn
statesmanship?

On the one hand, Iraq is engulfed in anarchy.

Tom Friedman: "The hour is late and the enemy is unique. We are
not losing Iraq to the Iraqi Vietcong - traditional nationalists.
Iraq has a freely elected nationalist government. No, we are losing
in Iraq to sectarian theocrats, Islamo-fascists and local and
regional tyrants, who have only one thing in common: the belief that
America and its Iraqi allies must fail, that neither modernity nor
democracy must be allowed to take root in Iraq.

"It will be a global tragedy if they succeed, but it is hard to
fight an enemy whose only concern is that you lose, not what happens
after. It is impossible, though, without Iraqi leaders who can make a
fist. We can't keep asking Americans to sacrifice their children for
people who hate each other more than they love their own children."

And on the other hand, finally, after six long years of very
expensive presidential education and horribly destructive
decision/actions, we get:

David Brooks: "Still, the accomplishments over the past few weeks
have been impressive. Bush and Rice have created a coherent policy.
They have organized the Europeans, Russians and Chinese around that
policy. They have put Iran on the defensive, and forced the different
factions in the regime to argue about what sort of country they wish
to become.

"Even the rollout was masterful. I called experts around the world
yesterday afternoon, and all of them seemed to have just gotten off
the phone with a senior administration official (or two), and all
were positive about what had been achieved.

"It's still hard to believe the international community can really
get its act together. (Have the U.S. and the Russians and the Chinese
really forged an agreement on sanctions, or just fudged their
differences?) But this display of competence causes me to remember
that over the past several weeks this administration has done a
number of things well (the nominations of Michael Hayden and Henry
Paulson, to name just two). Maybe there's life in this presidency
yet."

I would have said the latter was all Condi, but George asked her
for a third Iranian option!

Dave Blake

Confusion?

Dear Editor:

There seems to be some confusion about the value of County
Commissioner participation in state and national meetings. I offer
the following article to clarify their importance. Thank you for
allowing me to comment.

County involvement on the state and national level.

We in the political, bureaucratic world live in a society of
initials - BOCC, CCI, NACo, WIR, RFTA, COG, CDOT, BLM, USFS, the
Colorado Statehouse and the U.S. Congress. The names of agencies with
whom we work.

The clarity of the connections among these agencies is often lost
because we are trying to figure out the way through the maze instead
of enjoying the connections and the particular value of each agency.

There are 65 county boards in Colorado. Counties are tied
together, certainly not by watershed boundaries, but by issues that
affect all of us. Transit needs, open space, wildlife migration and
habitat; water protection and demand, access to and use of public
lands are all among the issues without respect for county boundaries.
Health and Human services, preservation of open space, wildfire
mitigation plans, energy development and impacts, and protection of
agriculture as an industry and a lifestyle are other issues on a long
list. One's interest in any of these issues invites commissioners to
join with others in CCI, Colorado Counties, Inc., to learn about and
discuss the specifics and to seek solutions to common problems.
Through CCI, Commissioners can not only work with other Colorado
Commissioners, but they can work with NACo, the National Association
of Counties, the organization that represents all counties in the
nation, to further discuss and debate the issues.

Through the connections of NACo, representatives from throughout
the West work to determine policy on a national level that will allow
us to move forward. Balance is required if we are to move through the
maze of different opinions, attitudes, backgrounds, community
demands, conflicting information, and personalities!

There are varied topics of discussion at each gathering of the
committees. Fortunately, we move from discussion to resolutions, to
policies, and to direction to other elected officials or agency
directors who make final recommendations. And, sometimes, as with the
maze, we hit the wall and must backtrack until we find another way.
The journey is fascinating and important. The issues will not go
away. Only by remaining informed, by staying in the discussion, by
having strong convictions, by trying to find a balance - only then
can Commissioners feel and believe that they might make a difference.

I urge and support and thank you for your participation and
involvement in these local, state, and national leadership
organizations. (The southwest corner of our state is well
represented. Robin Schiro of Archuleta County, Sheryl Ayers and Wally
White of La Plata County are all active and informed participants in
these organizations.)

Dorothea Farris

Pitkin County commissioner

Editor's note: Thank you, but we are not at all confused about the
role of our county commissioners - here or elsewhere. Please see
editorial.

Global warming

Dear Editor:

Is global warming real? Yes.

Can we humans stop its progress? No.

Should we stop belching so many pollutants into the atmosphere?
Absolutely. Pollution adds to the problem, though it is not the
cause.

Will we get solid and useful information about global warming from
politicians? Not likely, and the same goes for the news media.

We have been dealing with global warming like ancient humans dealt
with solar eclipses or other natural phenomena. We are uninformed
about the cause, blame someone's behavior for making it happen and
sacrifice a goat to make the sun shine again. It is as if we are
watching a hurricane grow in strength as it makes its way across the
Atlantic and are looking for someone to blame rather than preparing
for the natural disaster that is well on its way.

Global warming has occurred in the past and is happening again. Is
this period of warming the precursor to another ice age as some
believe? Global cooling is also a real historical event. What made
the world overheat and then over-cool in the past - before industry
was a factor?

We don't have those answers yet, but scientists are gaining more
information about events that seem to be related to temperature
change. The North Atlantic Deep Current is one such factor. Sometimes
it has been strong enough to carry large amounts of sediment along
the sea floor and at other times it seems to have almost stopped
moving. There are indications that there is a good correlation
between the strength of that current and global temperatures. If that
is so, we will have to ask what makes the current alter its strength.
Is it gaining or losing strength now? How does today's current
compare to that of the last ice age?

Then there are the deep-water, geothermal vents. These vents pour
out super-heated gasses containing hydrogen sulphide and other
harmful (to humans) material. Are they increasing in size and
quantity, causing the oceans to warm and the ice sheets to melt? We
don't know yet. Research is difficult because of the toxic gasses and
the depth of many of the vents.

So to be different than our ancient ancestors, let's change the
course of the discussion about global warming and start talking about
what we can do to prepare. Along with temperature change, rainfall
patterns will be different as will where crops can be grown. Coastal
areas will be flooded around the world, how high we don't really
know. We can't stop the flooding but we don't have to just sit on the
beach while the water rises over our heads and we get more angry at
"those others" who have caused it.

Bob Fisher

Spirited defense

Dear Editor:

County involvement in NACo and CCI.

CCI, Colorado Counties, Inc. is an organization designed to give
counties a collective voice at the state level. NACo, the National
Association of Counties, has a similar mission in that it gives
counties a voice at the national level.

This interaction is essential if we, as County Commissioners, are
to learn about and make informed decisions, influence current and
future legislation that will have direct impacts on our counties, our
communities, and the individual citizens we serve. These issues
include; transportation, roads, transit, airport access, land use
policies, recycling, landfill management, drug enforcement, public
safety, public health, methamphetamine issues, growth issues, work
force housing, economic issues, unfunded mandates from state and
federal legislation, increased demand for social programs, clean air
and clean water issues, adequate water supply, federal land access
and management plans and financial compensation for the federal lands
within our counties, oil and gas development, recreational use and
impacts on public lands, and preservation of agriculture and our
cultures in a changing economy, to name a few. These are issues that
are common problems that most counties face throughout the state and
the country.

CCI and NACo provide the infrastructure to share ideas and
policies and listen to proven solutions that counties have used to
overcome similar obstacles and learn from others. Active
participation in these organizations not only brings enthusiasm and
passion to the job of County Commissioner; it also provides
communities with better, more informed leadership.

County Commissioners have diverse and fascinating backgrounds.
Each brings to the discussion a thoughtful and provocative point of
view. The result is decision making based on information, discussion,
debate, and knowledge.

Both CCI and NACo provide meetings, workshops, and conferences
designed to stimulate discussion and urge action and cooperation on
issues common to counties throughout the country. These counties -
urban, suburban, or rural; geographically and culturally diverse -
are tied together by the commitment to do the best we can, with the
best information available, and with help from all those dedicated to
the goal of providing the best service possible to the communities we
serve.

Your participation, as a county and as individuals, in CCI and in
NACo is appreciated. Only by working together can we protect the
special qualities of our counties and of Colorado.

Jim Ignatius

Teller County commissioner

Editor's note: Please see editorial.

"The People's Commissioner"

Dear Editor:

As you may remember, I campaigned for transparency of government,
which precipitated me placing a Rolling Calendar on our Archuleta
County home page. I am the only Commissioner who actually personally
types her own information into that merged calendar, thereby saving
staff time and money. I firmly believe that nothing while I am in
office is mine! Everything is WE THE PEOPLE! Therefore, the
information I submit to the Rolling Calendar is for ALL THE PEOPLE.
That is why some of my constituents have nicknamed me "The People's
Commissioner." I listen to the people who elected me before I make
any decision. After all you are my bosses.

It is not humanly possibly for me to attend all of the meetings
that somehow pertain to an issue or function of interest to this
county. In fact many meetings occur simultaneously in different
towns. County staff member(s) or a constituent may want to attend
these meetings and could relay information back to the appropriate
people in our community that can help make a difference on those
issues. Each of us has different experiences, expertise, and
interests, and the county needs to help you help us if you would like
to. That way we are not only hearing issues from a select few but
having the people themselves be a part of the solution (e.g.:
Citizens Task Force who reviewed the community plan, etc.).

Sometimes special or emergency meetings, not regularly scheduled
Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) meetings, such as the joint
Planning Commission and BOCC meeting on the proposed Land Use Code
that took place on May 8, 2006, are scheduled by my fellow
commissioners. These meetings are only for important matters that may
arise that urgently require attention. As the BOCC appointed county
representative to the Colorado Counties Public Lands, and Land Use
and Natural Resources, Steering Committees, I had a county officials
meeting to attend at that same time. As always, I personally pay for
all of my out-of-state county business trips, including this
conference fee, which was at a decreased rate since Archuleta County
has been an active member of NACO for more than 6 years now. My
fellow commissioners told me it is a two to one vote and the
emergency is Commissioner Lynch would be leaving office before the
regularly scheduled meeting in June, so we need to accelerate the
process. Since I was the only BOCC commissioner who submitted written
comments on the proposed Land Use Code, and there was time to listen
to the recording of that meeting before voting on such, I felt the
best an outvoted commissioner could do was to submit a letter to the
editor encouraging the public to comment since it would be their
final opportunity to do so.

As always, if any citizen has any questions or input regarding
anything I have done, or as to what position I truly have on an
issue, I would welcome them to contact me at 264-8304.

Thank you,

Robin Schiro

Editor's note: Please see editorial.

Community
News

Make plans now to join Relay
for Life

By Kathi DeClark

Special to The PREVIEW

The Relay For Life is June 16-17 at Town
Park.

The Relay means hope. It is held to raise
money to fight the battle against cancer, so that one day no one has
to hear the words "you have cancer."

We gather at 6 p.m. to begin our walk. There
are 24 teams of 12 people prepared to walk each hour of the night.
There is a designated walking track around the park and soccer field.

Why do we do this? "Because cancer never
sleeps," said Dick Babillis, this year's chairman. He went on to say,
"There is no finish line until we find a cure."

The event begins with the bag pipes playing
for the Survivors Walk. Local survivors begin the evening with their
walk through the luminaria field. The luminaria represent the
celebration of life. We honor those who have died of cancer who were
an important part of our lives, those who survived and those who are
newly diagnosed. The lights represent the life of those we love; they
burn for others to see. Cancer shows no preference; it takes young
and old, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends. Luminarias
are sold for $10 and can be purchased from Dory at 731-9458.

After the survivors walk, the evening
continues. The Blue Moon Ramblers of Durango will provide music from
5:30 to 10. At 8, the men will be judged in the sexy legs contest.
You won't want to miss this one.

At 9, the wet T-shirt freeze takes place,
followed by the limbo contest. Of course, the evening isn't complete
without the judging for the best campsite. The night is full of fun
activities: the spaghetti hair event, scavenger hunt, poker laps,
relay bingo and word jumble.

The soccer field across from the park will
provide a quiet area for the campsites and tents for those who choose
to sleep when not walking or playing. Abundant amounts of food will
provided all night. Eddie B Cookin will have his famous food wagon
available for hot tasty treats. The community has once again stepped
up to donate to support and feed the cause.

The next morning, the boot camp workout is
at 6 a.m., and the Rotary breakfast is at 7. The final lap and awards
will be at 8 a.m.

It is not only a night for fun, but one for
saving lives, remembering those we lost, for making new friends,
forging bonds and raising money for the cause. It is a night for fun
and games, food and laughter and song - a night for tears and
memories, walking through our sorrow, holding on to faith and to the
hope that we will find a cure tomorrow. It is a night for love and
promise, for teaching others to fight. We may not end the war June
16-17, but we will be winning the battle that night.

Won't you come out and join the cause? You
can contact me at 731-9920 to learn more, to join a team, create a
team or to donate toward the eradication of cancer. Being there to
support the battle against cancer is a gift you will never forget. If
you can't join us for this special night, you can send your donation
to Relay For Life c/o Kathi DeClark P.O. 3451 Pagosa Springs, 81147.
The life you help save may be your own.

Women's Club to hold Relay
fund-raiser

By Tari Woods

Special to The PREVIEW

This is the first year the Pagosa Women's Club will participate in
the Relay for Life, a fund-raiser to fight cancer.

The Relay starts in Town Park at 6 p.m. Friday, June 16, and
continues through the night, ending at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Leading up to the event on Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11,
Old Town Gifts, located at the River Center, will assist the club in
a fund-raising event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be luminarias
for sale in honor and memory of, or in gratitude to friends and loved
ones who have been touched by cancer.

For every $10 donation, Old Town and Christmas in Pagosa will
match the donation in the form of a discounted percentage of up to
50-percent off purchases in the store. Each $10 donation is equal to
10-percent off. Donations of $100 and more will receive a free gift
basket, compliments of The Pagosa Woman's Club and Old Town Gifts.

Volunteers are needed to help sell the luminarias and organizers
are looking for anyone who has items to donate for gift baskets.

If you would like to help, call Tari Woods at 731-8877.

Don't miss Indiefest - this
weekend on the Hill

By Crista Munro

Special to The PREVIEW

The tents are up on Reservoir Hill and the weather is fine in
Pagosa Springs as festival organizers anxiously await the first ever
Indiefest.

Born from the rising popularity of independent music, fueled in no
small part by the Internet, Indiefest will deliver 10 incredible live
performances covering a wide variety of musical genres.

Campers will start arriving in town Friday, June 9, when the
campgrounds open at noon. Performances kick off at noon Saturday,
June 10, wrapping up Sunday evening around 9. Children's activities
will take place throughout the weekend.

There are still plenty of tickets and on-site camping available
for this year's inaugural event. Tickets can be purchased in Pagosa
Springs at Moonlight Books or WolfTracks Books and Coffee through the
end of the day today, or after that by phone at (970) 731-5582. If
purchased in advance, single-day passes are $30; two-day tickets are
$50. At the gate, prices go to $35 and $60. Children 12 and under are
admitted free with accompanying adult.

Saturday, June 10

- Noon - Eliza Gilkyson

- 1:15 - Terri Hendrix

- 2:45 - The Clumsy Lovers

- 4:30 - Brave Combo

- 6:30 - Eileen Ivers

Sunday, June 11

- 1 p.m - Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams

- 2:15 - Selasee

- 3:45 - Blame Sally

- 5:30 - Public Property

- 7:30 - Ruthie Foster

For tickets or additional information, visit www.folkwest.com or
call 731-5582.

Chester the Jester at Music,
Mirth and Muses

By Paul Roberts

Special to The PREVIEW

Elation Center for the Arts presents Music, Mirth and Muses, 7
p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse.

Music, Mirth and Muses pays homage to the inspiration of the muses
as it has been expressed in artistic styles of various eras. The show
is a collaboration of local performers who find common ground in the
inspiration of creative expression.

Larry Elginer, one of the shining lights behind Pagosa's creative
explosion, will parade his frivolity and playfulness as well as his
stunning musicianship, in the guise of Chester the Jester.

Elginer's contribution to the local cultural arts scene has been
profound. Besides having an extensive background as a professional
performer and conductor, he is best known for creating one of the
nation's top school music programs.

"The school system in Simi Valley was very lucky, but now we have
the luck," says John Graves. "I'm sure he could have achieved
anything in music that he wanted. It's a wonderful thing for our
youth and our culture that he decided to do it in schools. I think
he's a rare jewel."

There's a renaissance of creativity in Pagosa Springs, in which
Elginer is playing a big role. Come enjoy him in Mirth and Muses.

Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for young people 18 and under.

Tickets will be available at the door. Please bring a dessert to
share, if you wish.

Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse is located at 230 Port Ave. Take U.S. 160
to Vista Boulevard, take Vista to Port Avenue.

Music, Mirth and Muses is produced by Elation Center for the Arts,
a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization serving Pagosa Springs through
community concerts and educational programs. See elationarts.org on
the Web, or call 731-3117 for more information.

Fire up for the Fourth with the
High Rollers

By Siri Schuchardt

Special to The PREVIEW

The High Rollers are coming to Pagosa. The
Community Center will open up its doors Friday, June 23, for an
evening of good-old country western music to get us geared up for the
Fourth of July.

Our "Old Glory" evening will begin with a
dinner catered by Eddie B Cookin' served from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The
dinner will consist of a pulled pork or grilled chicken sandwich
along with potato salad, cole slaw, barbecue beans, apple cobbler and
iced tea.

The live music, provided by the High
Rollers, will start at 7 and run until 11.

There will be a cash bar with assorted beer
and wine at a nominal charge. Light snacks, water and coffee will be
available at no charge during the dance.

Tickets for the June 23 event are available
at the community center and WolfTracks. Dinner and dance combination
tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased by Tuesday, June 20,
in order to give the caterer adequate lead time. Individual
dance-only tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Table
reservations are available for parties of at least eight
people.

The High Rollers are adept at all kinds of
dance music including country, western, rock, Spanish, and oldies.
They are a four-piece band, and they travel with a sound man to
ensure the top-notch quality of their music. The band is composed of
Jeff Johnson on the fiddle, acoustic guitar, banjo, lead and
background vocals; Garrett Valencia on the lead guitar, lead and
background vocals; Andy Janowsky on the bass guitar, lead and
background vocals; and Mike Canterbury rounding it out on the drums,
lead and background vocals.

The band plays primarily in Durango and the
surrounding area. Some of their regular yearly dances include the
Street Dance for the Fiesta Days Rodeo, the La Plata County Fair
Dance, the La Plata County Cattleman's Ball and a "whole bunch of
others." This summer, they will play for the City of Durango's 125th
anniversary celebration and for the City of Durango's Fourth of July
street dance and fireworks display. They have been playing in this
area for nearly 10 years.

Many locals here in Pagosa know Andy
Janowski because of his family ties to our town and due to his
incredible songwriting abilities. He has four self-produced CDs,
which his family members have been dutifully promoting in our
area.

If you have questions or need further
information, contact me at 731-9670 or Mercy at the community center
at 264-4152.. We begin setting up for the event at 9 a.m. the day of
the dance and decorating will begin at 10. To help with room set-up
of tables, chairs and dance floor, contact Dick Carrai at 731-3083.
To help with decorations, call Pam Stokes at 731-1284 or Janet
Nordmann at 264-2465. The community center is located at 451 Hot
Springs Boulevard.

Make Quilt Fest part of your
Fourth of July plans

By Shari Pierce

Special to The PREVIEW

Quilt Fest 2006 is just around the corner.

Pagosa Piecemakers Quilt Guild members are working hard to put the
finishing touches on their biennial show. You're invited to see all
the wonderful displays and quilts at this year's show.

It has become tradition for guild members to be issued a challenge
to create a quilt for the upcoming show. This year two challenges
were issued. The themes of the challenges are "Over the Mountain and
Through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go" and "Anything Goes."
Quilters must create a quilt to fit the theme of the challenge.
Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to cast their vote for
the quilt that is their favorite in each of these challenges.

And, you'll want to be sure to visit our education booth. While
this area is geared toward children, we are sure that adults will
also enjoy what guild members have put together.

Be sure to stop by the vendor's booths to see the latest in quilt
patterns, fabrics and notions. Guild members have also created tote
bags and needle cases to sell.

For the first time, guild members are raffling a quilt. The guild
board of directors worked together to create a quilt from the "Hidden
Wells" pattern. This quilt will be on display at the show and tickets
will be available.

A silent auction will be offered on a beautiful quilt. A quilt top
was donated to the guild by Susan Allen. It was found among her
mother's things. The fabrics in the top are dated from the 1940s to
early 1950s. The top was quilted by Linda Wells with Great Adventure
Quilting and bound by Helen Bartlett. This beautiful vintage quilt
will be auctioned off to raise funds for guild projects.

In addition to all the special areas of Quilt Fest, there will be
plenty of quilts for quilt lovers to view. Well over 100 quilts will
be on display for the weekend.

Some of the quilters have chosen to sell their quilts at the show
this year. These quilts will be clearly marked with prices and
instructions for purchase. This is your opportunity to own a
beautiful piece of art.

Quilt Fest 2006 will be held July 1- 4 in the Mamie Lynch
Gymnasium at the corner of Lewis and Fourth streets. On July 1, the
show will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Hours July 2 and 3 are
noon to 6 p.m. and on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the
show will be via the doors on Fourth Street. Admission to the show is
$2 for adults and $1 for youth ages 10-18. Children 9 and under will
be admitted at no charge. A multiple entry pass will be available for
an additional $1. Please include a visit to Quilt Fest in your Fourth
of July holiday plans.

PSAC meeting and auction a
'roaring success'

By Kayla Douglass

Special to The PREVIEW

This year, the Pagosa Springs Arts Council
combined its annual meeting with an art auction. The event was held
Saturday afternoon and evening at the community center.

Annual meeting business included the
confirmation of two new board members, Roberto Garcia and Kim Moore.
They are filling the openings left by retiring members Doris Green
and Frances Wolfe. Doris has been the president for the past four
years and Frances has served as both a board member at large and as
secretary. Many thanks to Doris and Frances for all the time, energy
and effort they have brought to the Arts Council.

Doris and Frances will be greatly missed,
but they assure us they will continue to support the arts in Pagosa
and will be on hand to help with many of the events the Arts Council
sponsors.

The auction itself was a roaring success,
with wonderful, tasty treats served by Wildflower Catering. Those in
attendance bid on original paintings, and one-of-a-kind bronzes.
Items in the silent auction consisted of local business gift and
service certificates, limited prints, and other gift and house ware
items. Thank you to all who made donations, those who supported the
auction, and to all the volunteers for making it a successful event
for the Arts Council.

PSAC plans annual home and
garden tour

By Marti Capling

Special to The PREVIEW

Following a successful silent auction and
annual meeting, the Pagosa Springs Art Council is gearing up for the
sixth annual home and garden tour, scheduled noon to 5 p.m. Sunday,
July 9.

This year's event will take participants
down U.S. 84 for a scenic tour of some lovely homes and ranches, and
a bed and breakfast.

Each of the five properties has incredible
views, with most located on large-acreage parcels. As always, homes
are selected in a variety of sizes and styles, with furnishings that
reflect the special interests of the owners.

Tickets are $10 for PSAC members and $12 for
nonmembers, and will be available soon at the PSAC gallery in Town
Park, the Chamber of Commerce, Moonlight Books, Lantern Dancer, and
WolfTracks.

Brown Bag Writers meet
Thursdays at Shy Rabbit

Writer's write. They sit down in front of a
computer, a typewriter, or with pen and paper, and put down their
observations, their thoughts, the stories filling their heads.

Practice can be fun, especially when done in
a group with other writers.

Every Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1
p.m., the "Brown Bag Writers' meet at Shy Rabbit to listen to the
muse, tap into the creative river, and learn to not take themselves
so seriously.

Facilitated by freelance writer, Leanne
Goebel, the group is informal and fun. Goebel provides writing
prompts in the form of phrases, music or visual stimuli and writers
are free to spend 20-30 minutes writing. Then writers share their
work (don't worry, if you don't feel comfortable, you can
pass.)

This is a gathering for writers of all
levels and abilities. It is an opportunity to practice writing. To
prime the pump. Bring your writing tools (pens, paper, notebooks,
laptop) and a sack lunch if you would like. The cost if $5 per
session and drop-ins are welcome.

Shy Rabbit is located at 333 Bastille Drive,
Units B-1, B-4, west of downtown, and just south of the Pagosa Lakes
area. Take U.S. 160 to North Pagosa Boulevard, stay on North Pagosa
to Bastille Drive (at UBC), turn left and stay on Bastille past Hopi.
Shy Rabbit is located directly next to Pine Valley Rental.

For more information log on to
http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com or call (970) 731-2766.

A reception for the artists will be held 5-8
p.m. Regular gallery hours beginning July 1 are 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays, with extended hours on the second Thursday
of the month from 1-6:30 p.m.

Shy Rabbit - Contemporary Art Space and Gallery - is gaining widespread recognition for its cutting edge exhibitions and professional workshops. Look for more information on the new educational slide, film and lecture series called "Let's Explore." Shy Rabbit appeals to discerning art-lovers, and area visitors alike, with its contemporary appearance and welcoming atmosphere.

"Select Works" will be on display through
Aug. 12. Shy Rabbit is located at 333 Bastille Drive, Units B-1, B-4,
west of downtown, and just south of the Pagosa Lakes area. Take U.S.
160 to North Pagosa Blvd., stay on North Pagosa to Bastille Drive (at
UBC) turn left and stay on Bastille past Hopi. Shy Rabbit is located
directly next to Pine Valley Rental.

For more information: log onto
http://shyrabbit.blogspot.com or call (970) 731-2766.

Mystery on Park Street writers'
workshop

The Cortez Public Library will host a
writers' workshop as a benefit for the library, 1-4 p.m. Saturday,
July 15.

Three nationally-acclaimed mystery authors
will lead the workshop: Virginia Swift, author of the Mustang Sally
mystery series; Kathy Brandt, author of the Hannah Sampson underwater
detective series; and Blake Crouch, author of two thrillers.

Topics to be covered include how characters
and setting happen, the art of revision, and what you need to know
about getting published.

Workshop pre-registration fee is $35.
Participants will also receive a discount on the evening author
reception.

Call Joanie Howland at the Cortez Public
Library for more information or to register, (970) 565-8117.

Kids' program begins at
Methodist Church

Community United Methodist Church will soon
be transformed into an archaeological dig site where children from
age 4 to those entering sixth grade next year, are invited to become
Treasure Seekers at their summer Vacation Bible School, "Adventure of
the Treasure Seekers: Exploring God's Promises."

The action begins June 12 and ends June 16,
with sessions 8:30-11:30 a.m.

There will be daily "discovery digs" for
children to explore the Scriptures and find God's promises. This
program offers fun, interactive activities that combine the world of
archaeology with the discovery of treasures in the Bible. Each day,
children will take part in an actual dig and find treasures that
remind them of the Bible story and God's promise for that day.

The children will also be involved in a
mission project for Covenant Education Center, a Christian day care
center in Shiprock, N.M., sing great Treasure Seekers tunes, play
teamwork-building games, create some memorable crafts, enjoy tasty
snacks and make many new friends.

Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator
and VBS Director Janet Rainey says, "Adventure of the Treasure
Seekers is an exciting way for kids to learn more about God's love in
a way that brings the message to life. The archaeological dig is a
great way to capture their imaginations and also draw the parallel of
digging into the Bible to discover God's promises. We'll begin each
day at the Big Dig with our theme characters, Dr. Ziggurat (or "Zig"
for short) and Professor Whoo before heading out to experience some
terrific activities led by a very talented team of volunteers. It's
going to be an incredible amount of fun."

The entire community is invited to join
Community United Methodist church at 8:30 a.m. June 12 to be a part
of "Adventure of the Treasure Seekers."

Preregistration is encouraged (but not
required) for planning adequate supplies and space.

For more information, call Janet Rainey or
Joan Rodger at 264-5508.

Former atheist presents free
seminar series

By Dorman Diller

Special to The PREVIEW

Does God exist?

It is an emotional question with no easy
answer, and a former atheist will be in Pagosa Springs this weekend
to take a logical and analytical approach to answering the question.

John Clayton, a committed Christian, travels
the world teaching his free seminar. He attended Indiana University
and Notre Dame University and holds degrees in math, geology,
chemistry and earth science.

A nationally-known speaker, Clayton asks
people to consider scientific proof for the existence of God. Using
humor, power point and visual aids, his message is delivered in a
fast paced, intellectual, interesting manner.

At 7 p.m. Friday he will present two
sessions covering "Cosmology, A Proof of God's Existence" and "The
Source - Design or Chance?" At 7 p.m. Saturday two sessions will
cover the topics of "The Nature of God" and "Which God Should We
Serve?" Each of these nightly sessions will be followed by an open
question-and-answer period in which Clayton will field questions from
the audience.

A session for grade-school children and
their parents will be presented 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the
community center. In it, Clayton will look at evidence of design in
the world. A session for teenagers and their parents from 3-5 p.m.
will consider the topics of "UFO's, Ancient Astronauts, the Lock Ness
Monster, the Bermuda Triangle, and God" and "Morality's Proof of
God."

Everyone in the community is invited to
attend any or all of the sessions in the free lecture series. No
collections will be taken. No registration lists will be signed and
no one will contact you following the seminar. Your personal privacy
is assured.

'Letting go' at Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship service

On Sunday, June 11, April Merrilee will lead
a group meditation for the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
emphasizing "Letting Go." She explains, "Living in a world that so
often feels like a fist, merciful relief may be no more than waking
with your hands open."

This service will explore through chanting,
silence, and contemplation the ways in which we cling to things both
wanted and unwanted. She asks, "How does this grasping affect the
quality of our lives? What does it really mean when we advise each
other, 'just let it go' and what is keeping us from doing that
effectively?"

The service begins at 10:30 a.m. in the
Fellowship Hall, Unit 15, Greenbriar Plaza. Turn east on Greenbrier
Drive off of North Pagosa by the fire station, then left into the
back parking lot and look for the big sign. All are welcome.

Summer activities at
Congregation Har Shalom

Congregation Har Shalom in Durango has
released a summer schedule of congregational activities.

Saturday, June 6 - Bar Mitzvah and Kiddush,
10 a.m. Join Jean and Michael Gruber for Shabbat morning services as
their son Travis is called to the Torah to become Bar Mitzvah. To
R.S.V.P., e-mail Michael gruber at gruber@bresnan.net.

Saturday, June 24 - Bar Mitzvah and Kiddush,
10 a.m. Join Judy and Rick Williams for Shabbat morning services as
their son Aaron is called to the Torah to become Bar Mitzvah. To
R.S.V.P., call Judith at 247-3855.

Wednesday, August 30 - Jewish Meditation
Group at Har Shalom. Call Judith at 247-3292 or
judithv@frontier.net.

Call the information line, 375-0613, for
last-minute changes or additional activities and programs.

Fun and learning at Pretenders
Summer Drama Camp

By Brett Garman

Special to The PREVIEW

Last week, 20 local youngsters enjoyed
learning and practicing the art of acting at the Pagosa Pretender's
Summer Drama Camp.

There were participants ranging from grades
four through high school. Students with a strong interest in theater,
and children who just wanted to see what acting would be like learned
a wide range of valuable acting techniques. Each student participated
in three educational and fun classes.

First, was training in improvisation taught
by Jon Bernard. Using games and creative imagination, Bernard helped
the students relate to characters, build relationships with each
other, and practice quick thinking behind the scenes.

Darcy Downing taught learners to speak
clearly and to work with their voices, both musically and
theatrically. She led students through breathing techniques and
articulation and projection exercises.

A class to further the young actors'
knowledge of monologues and scene study was taught by Felicia Meyer.
Students learned character connections as they practiced their scenes
and monologues. This class also gave them an opportunity to watch
their peers and offer constructive suggestions and advice.

Camper Satara Artloud said, "My favorite
part of camp was the games we played (in improv class) and learning
to talk from our diaphragms (in voice class) Š was like science."

Josh Smith and Zac Brown exclaimed, "The
snacks were awesome!"

Complete with high energy levels and a
learning atmosphere, the camp is the first of its kind in Pagosa
Springs and organizers and participants look forward to an
exceptional future.

The Summer Drama Camp is one of the new
programs started this year by Pagosa Pretenders Family Theatre. The
group also presents a reader's theater, called "Pretending Books and
Stories," the second Saturday of each month at the Ruby Sisson
Library. This week, young Pretenders from camp will present a few
things they learned this year. They will act out several of "Aesop's
Fables" as well as animal stories. It will be a great time for both
children and adults, so join the Pretenders at the Sisson Library at
11 a.m. Saturday, June 10.

Performance Saturday, summer
reading program begins

By Barb Draper

Special to The PREVIEW

Everyone is encouraged to be at the library
at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10, for the monthly presentation by the
Pagosa Pretenders.

Performers this month are students who
participated in the recent Pagosa Pretenders Family Theatre Summer
Drama Camp. These kids have been working on many different projects,
and while they would not tell me exactly what the presentation will
be, I suspect it might have something to do with folklore. Join us
Saturday to find out, and to support this hard-working group.

For all kids from preschool age through
those who completed grade six this year, the registration continues
for "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales," our Summer Reading Program. Come
in any time, sign up and receive your book bag, schedule of events
and reading log. The activities and stories will take place Tuesday
and Friday mornings, June 27 through Aug. 4. The first session, June
27, will feature a speaker from the Humane Society. Dr. Yost, a local
veterinarian, will speak Friday, June 30.

It is that time of year when I start asking
for donations of items you might have lying around your house,
gathering dust. Items needed for this year's craft activities include
clean and empty plastic bottles (about 20-ounce size) with lids, pint
canning jars (helpful if they have rings), white cotton gardening
gloves (the kind that come in multi-packs), pieces of fake fur, and
plastic jars with lids such as the ones popcorn comes in.

If you would like to find a good home for
these items, drop them off at the library at any time.

Grants available through
Colorado Masterpieces

In April, the Colorado Council on the Arts
announced Colorado Masterpieces, a new grant opportunity based on the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) American Masterpieces: Three
Centuries of Artistic Genius.

Colorado Masterpieces builds on the American
Masterpieces goal of introducing all Americans to the best of their
cultural and artistic legacy, but with a Colorado focus.

In order to allow sufficient time for
applicants to prepare their proposals, the original deadline of May
26 has been extended, and applications are now due June 23, 2006.

The Request For Proposal and application
forms are available on the council's Web site at www.coloarts.org.

Wells Fargo offers grants to
non-profit groups

Grant applications are now being accepted
for the 13th annual Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund, according
to Thomas W. Honig, regional president and chief executive officer
for Wells Fargo in Colorado.

Applications, available at all Wells Fargo
stores throughout the state, are due June 30.

Through the fund, Wells Fargo will
contribute $260,000 to an estimated 200 qualified community-based
non-profit organizations. The average grant ranges from $500 to
$1,500. Eligible organizations must be certified 501c(3) and have an
annual budget of $350,000 or less.

"We're extremely pleased to continue this
13-year tradition of helping organizations that work so hard and do
so much to make Colorado a better place to live and work," Honig
said. "The Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund is a component of
our overall philanthropic efforts. In 2005, we gave more than $4.5
million to community groups in our state."

For additional information, or to receive an
application by mail, organizations should contact the Pagosa local
Wells Fargo store.

The Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund
was started in 1993 to provide greatly needed support to small,
nonprofit groups that don't have the resources to compete with larger
organizations for community support dollars. Since its inception,
approximately 2,400 grants totaling more than $2.75 million have been
awarded.

Youth fishing clinic offered

Pagosa Springs-area kids are invited to a
free fishing clinic, 9 a.m.-noon June 10 at Echo Canyon Reservoir
State Wildlife Area. The event is sponsored by the Colorado Division
of Wildlife.

The event is open to kids ages 15 and under.
All fishing gear and bait will be provided to those who don't have
equipment.

Kids are asked to register before the event
at the Ponderosa Do-It-Best store or at the Ski and Bow Rack.

Adults accompanying kids will not be
required to have a habitat stamp on that day.

Other sponsors of the event include
Backcountry Anglers, Terry's Ace Hardware, Let It Fly and Durango
Walmart.

Chuck Bob at the
Movies

New 'Producers' ain't the old
'Producers'

By Charles Streetman

I had to have been about 19 or 20 when I
first saw Mel Brooks' 1968 comedy classic, "The Producers," on the
Turner Classic Movies channel. I have to say, it was one of the
funniest movies I had ever seen.

In 2001, Brooks took his debut film and
turned it into a Broadway musical, which went on to win several Tony
Awards and, with that kind of success, "The Producers" seemed
destined for the big screen. Then, 2005 came, and as I had
anticipated, Brooks released a film version of the Broadway hit.
Because it had been nearly four years since I had seen the original
film, I could hardly recall more than the basic plot and a few of the
funniest scenes - head trauma is hell on the memory - so I picked up
the DVD version off the "new releases" shelf, and headed home for a
view.

The musical's original lead actors Nathan
Lane ("The Birdcage") and Matthew Broderick ("Election") reprise
their roles in the film version as Max Bialystock (Lane) and Leo
Bloom (Broderick).

In the story, Max was once the king of
Broadway, but after being dethroned, he now he flirts with elderly
ladies to swindle them out of their money, so he can produce one
disaster after another. Leo is a nerdy and timid accountant, with
dreams of becoming a famed Broadway producer himself, who arrives at
Bialystock's office to do his books. Upon reviewing Bialystock's
accounting, Bloom theorizes that under the right circumstances, a
producer could make more money with a flop than a hit. This, of
course, only encourages Max to devise a bold scheme to produce and
profit from the worst show Broadway has ever seen. Max invites Leo to
collaborate, and at first, Leo refuses but eventually gives
in.

With the plan set, the two search for the
worst play ever written, hire the worst director who ever lived, and
come up with $2 million to produce the play (but only use a hundred
thousand of it for the play itself). Ultimately, they find their
play, "Springtime for Hitler," written by one Franz Liebkind (Will
Farrell, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy"), a nutty, neo-Nazi
playwright who fancies pigeons. Then, they find their director, Roger
DeBris (Gary Beach, from the musical), a flamboyant Š ahem Š
"ambitious" director. Max raises the $2 million by launching himself
into "Little Old Lady Land." With a play, a director and financing in
place, soon all is going according to plan, and what could possibly
go wrong?

How about this awful play backfiring and
becoming a satirical hit!

Much of the original cast of the musical
returned for the film, except for Brad Oscar (who originally played
Franz) and Cady Huffman (who originally played Ulla), who were
replaced by Will Farrell and Uma Thurman, who both did surprisingly
well in this picture. Uma played Ulla (to write her entire name here
would consume the rest of this column), the Swedish beauty who wished
to audition for the play and later became Bloom's love interest. All
things considered, I thought the cast did well, although I found
Broderick irritating. He was a far too whiney and nerdy, and isn't
the overacting genius that Gene Wilder from the original film
was.

The movie was directed and choreographed by
Susan Stroman, who also directed and choreographed the musical. In
the film version, Stroman directs as though she were directing the
musical. The camera work consists mostly of wide angle shots with few
close-ups of the actors, while the actors themselves continue to rely
on big, overacted physical gestures, as if they were still on a
Broadway stage. OK, nothing really bad about that, but rather than
making a filmed version of a musical, they could have tried to shoot
the film more like a movie - a technique that was used to great
effect in the film version of "The Phantom of the Opera."

As for the songs, they're what you'd expect,
having been written by Brooks himself. In general, they are mildly
funny, but are mostly hit or miss. My favorites are: "Opening Night,"
the first song of the film reflecting the audience's dismay with
Bialystock's latest flop; "Along Came Bialy," a song performed by
Nathan Lane's character, featuring a chorus line consisting of well
choreographed little old ladies with walkers (you heard me); and
"Haben Sie Gehort Das Deutsche Band?," which isn't terribly funny,
but to see Farrell dance and sing in German alone is a sight to
behold.

As for the rest of the humor, it's typical
Brooks, although it seems somewhat outdated and dull with its
satirical attacks. The best example of this well-worn ploy is the
musical number "Keep It Gay," which implies Broadway is dominated by
homosexuals. The number involves members of Roger DeBris's production
crew dancing around in costumes obviously resembling the Village
People. How many times have we heard that age-old joke about the
Village People? Seriously!

To speak in defense of "The Producers," I
will say that I did laugh quite a few times and enjoyed some of it.
However, I would recommend it only to fans of musicals and of course,
Brooks. The 2005 version doesn't hold a torch to the original film,
but then again, it's not trying to. It's simply a cellulose version
of the Tony Award-winning musical and, in that, it succeeds -
although I hardly consider this one of Brooks' best.

The DVD offers some special features that
are worthwhile. Among them are a feature-length commentary from
Stroman, some deleted scenes, outtakes and a featurette with an
analysis of the musical scene "I Wanna Be a Producer."

For those who would like to see the original
1968 film version of "The Producers," it is possible to find a single
disc edition in almost any DVD bargain bin for $10. Or, if you feel
really ambitious, you can track down the two-disc deluxe edition with
a modest collection of special features for only $5 more.

For movie buffs who want to see Brooks when
he was at the top of his comedic game, I also recommend the Mel
Brooks Collection, a DVD boxed set containing eight of Brooks' best
and most memorable comedies including: "The Twelve Chairs," "To Be or
Not to Be," "History of the World, Part 1," "High Anxiety," "Silent
Movie," "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," "Blazing Saddles," and the Oscar
nominated "Young Frankenstein!" Each film is included with its own
selection of special features, and are presented in their original,
widescreen formats. The collection is pricey at about $70, but worth
every penny!

Local Chatter

Heal fast, there are things to
do

By Kate Terry

PREVIEW Columnist

It's the first week in June and I'm back
home after three visits to Mercy Hospital - and I'm delighted and
thankful to be home. And this time, I mean to stay for a long time
because I heal fast!

And I have things to do. Columns to write
and some other things. And there's a lot of reading to catch up
on.

In the meantime, let someone else watch
TV.

It all started in March and here it is June.
That's a lot of available time in which to reflect. And reflect I
did.

This is what I want the people of Pagosa to
know: that their diversity and talents make up a special place to
live. Their compassion is beautiful - so warm, so welcome.

New people pick up on this, but when one has
lived here for 23 years, as I have, it's easy to take things for
granted - until, wham, you are confronted with a problem and people
come out of the walls. I can only say, "Thank you." I love you
all.

Fun on the Run

Dog writes to heaven Š

Dear Heaven: Why do humans smell the
flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

Dear Heaven: When we get to heaven, can we
sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Dear Heaven: Why are there cars named after
the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray and the
rabbit, but not one named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar
riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename
the "Chrysler Eagle" the "Chrysler Beagle"?

Dear Heaven: Are there mailmen in heaven? If
there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear Heaven: Let me give you a list of just
some of the things I must remember to be a good dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they
eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish,
crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The diaper pail is not a cookie
jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel.' Neither
are Mom and Dad's laps.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our
stuff.

6. My head does not belong in the
refrigerator.

7. I will not bite the officer's hand when
he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and registration.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight
up when I'm under the coffee table.

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur
before entering the house, not after.

10. I will not throw up in the car.

11. I will not come in from outside and
immediately drag my butt.

12. I will not sit in the middle of the
living room and lick myself when we have company.

13. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I
play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

Community Center News

Old Glory Dance and Patriotic
Night highlight center June calendar

By Becky Herman

PREVIEW Columnist

The June Old Glory dance Friday, June 23,
will feature live music from The High Rollers of Durango and a
catered dinner from Eddie B Cookin. There will be a choice of a
pulled pork or grilled chicken sandwich, along with potato salad,
cole slaw, beans, iced tea, and apple cobbler for dessert. A cash bar
with an assortment of beers and wines will also be available.

Tickets can be purchased at WolfTracks and
the community center. The price of a ticket for both the dinner and
dance is $20 per person; these tickets can be obtained from now until
5 p.m. June 20. Dinner tickets won't be available at the door.

If you prefer to attend just the dance, a
pre-paid ticket is $12 per person and $15 at the door. The dinner
will be 6-7 p.m. The dance will begin at 7 and last until 11. This is
an adult event; those under 21 are not allowed. Please prepare for an
ID check if necessary.

Patriotic Night

We are planning decorations and an exciting
program for Patriotic Night.

All who attend will kick off Pagosa's Fourth
of July celebration, participating in a patriotic sing-along,
listening to inspirational talks and watching a DVD presentation
featuring some of our local veterans and men and women currently
serving in the military.

Andy Fautheree, our local veteran's officer,
will be our emcee this year; John Graves will lead the crowd in the
sing-along and Mercy's friend and community center volunteer Gene
Tautges will do the DVD presentation. Gene has been busy taking
photos of our local heroes.

If we're lucky, we may have the Mountain
Harmony Ladies Barbershop show up to entertain us. All this, followed
by a dessert potluck, will take place 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 30. The
Chamber of Commerce will again provide flags for all in attendance.

Call Mercy at 264-4152, or Andy Fautheree at
731-3837 for more information.

Self-help for health

Come join in this new program at the center;
it is free.

This is a series of classes starting June
19, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Medora Bass, Ph. D. will be the facilitator.
She has been using expressive therapy to help others since the mid
1960s and has taught the same at J.F. Kennedy University in Orinda,
Calif. and Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM. She has 20 years
experience dealing with health challenges.

Also, Medora has painted for 10 years and
has a M.F.A. in painting. In this class, she will introduce tools
such as art, imagery, dreams, writing, observation and dialogue which
can help you become aware of possibly detrimental patterns, so you
can then choose to change the habits. Insight gained from using the
tools may help a person in making health-care decisions and
evaluating a particular form of treatment.

Those interested are to be reminded that the
classes are not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. The goal of
this free program is to help participants be aware of factors that
may affect their health and help them better realize their
goals.

Register in advance by calling the community
center at 264-4152 and bring the following supplies to the first
class:

- notebook for keeping a journal and for
optional drawing;

- drawing pad (newsprint is OK). A large
pad, 18x24, may help you be freer in your expression. Paper will be
provided at the first class.

For more information, or if you are
interested in attending but the class day or time does not work for
you, call Medora at 264-5564.

Foodies Club

The newly formed Foodies Club met at the
center last week, and it is no exaggeration to say that everyone had
a wonderful time.

The appetizers were varied and delicious and
showed off some true culinary creativity. Equally enjoyable was the
company and the conversation.

It was decided to meet again at 6 p.m. June
21, when the emphasis will be on French cuisine and chocolate.

If you are interested in joining this club,
call the center at 264-4152. R.S.V.P. is required. You won't be
sorry!

Scrapbooking club

This is to remind everyone the Community
Scrapbook Club will meet 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10, in the
South Conference Room. This will be the last meeting until Sept. 9.

Over-the-Hill
Hoopsters

Larry Page started this group of
enthusiastic seniors who play basketball Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8
a.m.

Some of them played college ball at
Mississippi State, Kentucky, UCLA and Kansas State, but don't let
that history stop you from coming to see what this group is all
about. They have lots of laughs and get a little exercise in the
bargain.

By the way, you don't have to be a senior;
everyone is welcome.

Photoshop class

Bruce Andersen's Beginners' Photoshop class
will run for two more Monday evenings, June 12 and 19.

Bruce tells me he may do a different class
in July - perhaps one in which he will cover the workings of digital
cameras or perhaps one which focuses on a specific type or technique
of photography. Let Bruce know what interests you; his e-mail is
baphoto@centurytel.net. Of course, you are welcome to contact the
center at 264-4152 with questions.

eBay club

The next meeting of the eBay club will be
held at the center at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 15. Anyone who is
interested in buying or selling (or both) on eBay is welcome to
attend. Call Ben Bailey at 264-0293 or e-mail him at
benbaileynewton@yahoo.com if you plan to attend. Members are picking
up lots of really great tips for using eBay, so don't miss out. This
club is not affiliated with or endorsed by eBay Inc.

Yoga

Richard Harris, who began the yoga group
last year, has informed us he will no longer be able to conduct yoga
classes because of a pending move out of the area. We thank him for
his enthusiasm, his interest in helping others, and his willingness
to share his talents with the class members. Richard, you will be
greatly missed.

In Richard's absence, Diana Baird has agreed
to step in as leader of the yoga group. Diana has attended the class
from its inception and has, on occasion, acted as group leader. We
welcome Diana to the community center's family of dedicated
volunteers who selflessly give of their time and expertise to conduct
classes, programs, and events. Without these people, we could not
provide the wide variety of programs which are currently being
offered at the center.

Line dancing update

Gerry, Peggy and Elaine will combine efforts
to continue to offer a free line dancing workout 10:30-11:30 a.m.
every Monday. Newcomers are encouraged to come early at 10 for
introduction.

Men's beginning class starts at 9:20 a.m.
with country two-step. Learn basic steps and two or three leads. No
previous knowledge is necessary but you must be under 100 years old,
ambulatory, and have a good sense of humor.

These women promise to have laughs, rhythm,
simple steps to good music and Gerry says, "It is an aerobic workout,
too, and we aim to please everyone." Come try this fun, free program
offered at the community center.

For more information call the center at
264-4152, or Gerry at 731-9734.

Computer lab news

Our good friend, Peter Welch, has found us a
new firewall/router to set our network back on its feet; the cost of
this piece of equipment purchased from eBay is about 10 percent of
the cost of a new one from the manufacturer. We are all looking
forward to being able to allow our 18-and-under users back into the
computer lab.

We have had several cancellations for the
June Beginning Computing classes. If you are somewhat familiar with
computers and would like to pick up the class in the second week,
call the center for a place in the Tuesday (for anyone) or the
Wednesday (seniors') class. All classes offered by community center
staff are free of charge.

If you are interested in joining our new
listserv, stop by the center for the handout which will walk you
through the subscription process. Or, call me at 264-4152 or e-mail
me at rhp@zworg.com with questions.

Need a place to have a party or meeting? We
have very affordable rooms for small, mid-size and large groups. A
catering kitchen is also available. Tables, chairs, a portable stage,
a dance floor and audiovisual equipment are available, too. The
center is located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Call 264-4152.

Senior News

National Men's Health Week -
time to close the gender gap

By Jim Pearson

SUN Columnis

National Men's Health Week is June 12-18.

It's not just a man's issue, it's a family issue. The goal is to
get men to be more proactive in personal health management issues and
family members and friends can help. Men can also help each other by
speaking out about their own health problem experiences.

Research shows that women generally take better care of themselves
than men do. Men are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior,
work in dangerous occupations, and are more likely not to be covered
under health insurance. Men generally put off going to the doctor
when they know they should. Even the smallest symptoms could end up
being something serious. The result is that men are more likely to
die at an earlier age than women.

In fact, the gap is getting wider. In 1920, women outlived men by
an average of one year, while today the average is five years.

One reason this is a family issue is because more than half the
women living in poverty today were living comfortably when their
husbands were alive. Research has shown that of all the deaths in
men, half were preventable. Men seem to need that extra nudge from a
wife or other person of influence to take a more active roll in their
health care.

A good Web site to explore what men can do to promote good health
is http://menshealthnetwork.org.

Fly it with respect

Flag Day is Wednesday, June 14.

It is time for some of us to pull our flag out of storage and fly
our colors. It is also a time to reflect on this great American
symbol, which so often is being displayed improperly or left to
disintegrate on somebody's fence post.

In a 1917 Flag Day message, President Woodrow Wilson said, "This
flag, which we honor and which under we serve, is the emblem of our
unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no
other character than that which we give it from generation to
generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above
the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And
yet, though silent, it speaks to us - speaks to us as the past, of
the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote
upon it. We celebrate the day of its birth; and from its birth until
now it has witnessed a great history, has floated on high the symbol
of great events, of a great plan of life worked out by a great
people."

I say that we need to protect and honor this great American
symbol. The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America
are found in detail in the United States Code Titles 4, 18 and 36.
These laws were supplemented by executive orders and presidential
proclamations. Here are a few tips for displaying the American Flag.

- It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise
to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.

- When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24
hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

- The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the
ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

- The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or
drapery.

- The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a
fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way,
preferably by burning. You can contact American Legion Post 108 at
264-4884 for assistance.

For additional information on how display the American flag, go to
www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title4/chapter1_.html.

Think home safety

The National Safety Council estimates that of the more than
100,000 people who died from preventable injuries, 97 percent of the
causes were non-work related. Home-related accidents account for a
high number of deaths each year. Safety around the home is a full
time job for all of us.

- Do you know what to do if you have a cooking fire?

- Do you know what type fire extinguisher you should have to put
out cooking and electrical fires?

- Is your fire extinguisher up to date?

- Do you have a family fire escape plan that everybody knows and
has practiced?

- Do you have working smoke detectors in your home that you
routinely test?

These fire safety questions are just a few of the questions you
should be considering and getting resolved. Other areas of safety
that you should consider are medication, food, environmental and
general home safety.

- Are your medications secure and do you have a systematic way of
remembering dosages?

- Do you wash your hands after using the bathroom so that you
don't expose others to hepatitis and infectious bacteria?

- Do you follow safety rules around the home when using power
tools and chemicals?

- Are you aware of all the safety issues surrounding ladders?

- Do you keep clutter away from walkways to minimize tripping
hazards?

We all tend to be lackadaisical about our personal safety. It
seems that it only becomes an issue when there's an accident.

Don't put it off. Get started today by picking up your safety
check list at The Den.

Loss of friends

It starts when we're young and gets worse as we age - the loss of
friends.

It affects all of us, but especially the elderly. They may be a
close friend who takes you to play bridge. All of a sudden you find
that not only do you not have a ride, but your bridge partner and
dear friend isn't around anymore. One by one, you keep losing friends
and family members. It not only puts a wrinkle in your social and
family life, but it can cause depression.

If you are experiencing such a feeling, or need somebody to talk
to, The Den can help. Susan Stoffer, a licensed counselor, comes to
The Den each Monday at 11 a.m. to provide you with someone to talk to
in confidence. Susan offers this initial counseling as a free service
for seniors in need. For further information, contact The Den.

Transportation services

Are you age 60-plus and new to the community? Do you need help
getting around town? We have the answer for you.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday we'll pick you up right at
your door. You can hop on our air-conditioned, 18-passenger bus and
get your errands accomplished. All this for a suggested donation of
just $2. For further details and route information, call Musetta at
264-2167.

Ice cream social

Our ice cream socials were too much of a hit. We served up three
tubs of vanilla ice cream to 70 seniors in Arboles and Pagosa Springs
before running out. John Graves kicked things into gear by playing a
few tunes on the piano while those in the crowd tried to eat ice
cream covered with their favorite toppings and sing at the same time.
Be sure to join us for our next ice cream social immediately
following the meal Friday, July 7.

Microwaving eggs

The first thing you should consider when microwaving eggs is to
never put an egg in its shell in the microwave. Steam buildup inside
will cause it to explode.

Deposit the egg from its shell into a microwaveable dish and prick
the egg yoke gently with the tip of a knife. This allows steam to
escape from the yolk membrane. It also helps to use 30-50 percent
power, which allows the egg to cook more slowly. This is done as the
egg yoke cooks more quickly than the egg white in a microwave, so a
lower power allows the white to get done before the yoke is
overcooked.

You can microwave omelets and scrambled eggs on full power because
the beaten mixture cooks more evenly. It's best to microwave these
egg dishes covered and remove from the microwave just before it is
done. Let it set covered until the food finishes cooking.

For more information on eggs and egg safety, the American Egg
Board has an educational Web site at http://aeb.org/.

Team building

An elderly woman tells me about the service department at an auto
dealership charging her over $500 for repairs she doesn't think she
needs, when all she went in for was to have her car serviced.

A veteran comes into our office with a Medicare Prescription Drug
card, and has no idea why he received it since he has those benefits
through the Veteran's Administration.

A married couple, lured by fellow churchgoers, throw their life
savings into a high return, limited partnership scheme, only to find
out later that the company has been indicted for failing to identify,
separate or reconcile monies earned pursuant to an agreed upon
20-percent performance fee. The couple loses their life savings to a
scam.

People of all ages get themselves into trouble by approving and/or
jumping into something without taking the time to check it out and
seek advice. Many scams and not-so-honest businesses target the
elderly. It could be very difficult for most people to know whether
or not an offer is a scam, or if a business is less than being honest
with you.

What can the elderly do to protect themselves in today's world,
especially when most are on a limited budget?

Most people can't afford to keep a team of attorneys, financial
advisors, mechanics and medical specialists on staff to help with
everyday situations they are faced with. That doesn't mean that you
should toss the team idea in the trash.

With a little effort, you can draft your own team of professionals
and advisors at little or no cost to you. Some team members could be
made up of family members and friends you can trust to guide you in
the right direction. The Den should be another member of your team.
Not only do we have a wealth of information available both in our
library of video tapes and books, but we can get you pointed the
right way. Another member of your team could be an organization that
specializes in senior issues such as AARP which provides an elder
watch Web site at www.aarpelderwatch.org. Public agencies such as
your local police department and social services could also be a part
of your team, as well as your family physician.

There is one thing for certain as we go through life, and that is
we all get older. Most of us are going to reach that stage in our
lives where we will need to depend on others for services that we
will no longer be able to handle on our own. It's never too late to
gather up your own team to call on in times of need.

Emergency evacuation

Homebound seniors should have an evacuation plan that includes any
assistance they will need to vacate their houses.

If you need assistance in developing such a plan, contact Musetta
at The Den.

Senior discounts

Join hundreds of other seniors in our community taking advantage
of the many discounts available through local merchants by joining
Archuleta Seniors, Inc.

Memberships are available for folks age 55 and older, and can be
purchased at The Den for $5 Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1:30
p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9-11. No memberships are sold
Thursdays.

Not only will you receive generous discounts from local
businesses, but you'll be eligible for our Mystery Trip program and
other trips in addition to discounts at such senior activities as
Oktoberfest.

Membership also entitles those who meet annual income guidelines
to scholarships for eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental, prescription
drugs and medical equipment. Your membership also entitles you to a
great discount on the purchase of a dental water jet and electric
toothbrush.

Archuleta Seniors, Inc. even offers financial assistance for
medical shuttles to Durango, handled by The Den. This is the best
discount program in town, and a great way to help our senior
community. It's still not too late to sign up and acquire the
benefits for 2006.

Home-delivered meals

The den provides home delivery of meals to qualifying homebound
individuals who want the benefits of a nutritional lunch. The Den's
caring volunteers deliver the meals to homes Mondays, Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Fridays while taking the time to check in with the
individuals. The appetizing lunches are served hot and ready to eat.

Whether you want a meal delivered one or four times a week, we can
accommodate your needs. For more information, call Musetta at
264-2167.

Vote centers

Archuleta County is one of the counties in Colorado which is
moving to vote centers.

With vote centers, voters may cast ballots at any of several
polling places around the county instead of their neighborhood
precincts. This system allows voters to vote close to work or while
out running errands. For election officials, the system lets them
operate fewer voting locations with fewer people.

Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder June Madrid will be at The Den
at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, and at Arboles Meal Day Thursday,
June 15, to explain this voting change. For further information, go
to www.archuletacounty.org and click on the voter information button.

Oktoberfest volunteers

Archuleta Seniors is looking for volunteers to help with
Oktoberfest.

Volunteers are needed to serve on committees charged with making
this the best Oktoberfest ever in Pagosa Springs. We need a person
interested in teaching the polka to adults. We need committee help
with the program, food preparation, food service, etc. This is the
largest fund-raiser of the year for Archuleta Seniors, Inc., a
non-profit organization dedicated to helping our seniors. For more
information, contact The Den at 264-2167.

Board member sought

The Regional Advisory Council on Aging (RACOA) is making an effort
to form a more diverse board and is seeking a senior to represent the
Latino community of Archuleta County on the board of directors. This
is a volunteer position, and is one of three directors who represent
our county.

RACOA offers advice and recommendations to the Area Agency on
Aging Board of Directors relative to a four-year senior services
plan, which is annually updated and revised. We are looking for a
person to help us with our outreach effort concerning senior services
and programs for our Latino community.

If you are interested in serving, contact Musetta at The Den.

Thank you

Thanks to Bonnie, owner of Slices of Nature, for donating
merchandise to The Den for prizes and special gifts to our seniors.
We are very grateful to you for your generosity and loving care for
our senior community.

Duplicate bridge

A new bridge group is forming under the Bridge for Fun group,
called Duplicate Bridge. The group will play on 12:30-4 p.m. Fridays
in The Den's lounge.

For this to happen, there will need to be a minimum of two tables
(four teams). You will need to have a partner and be signed up in
advance. We are expecting to begin around the first week in July. If
you are interested in joining this group, call Stan Church at
731-2217 for more information.

Senior of the Week

We congratulate Bruce Muirhead as Senior of the Week. Bruce will
enjoy free lunches all week. We also congratulate Carol Cash in
Arboles. She will enjoy free lunches at Arboles Meal Day through the
month of June.

I recently came across some information concerning stroke victims.
This could be life-saving information and certainly is applicable to
our aging veteran population.

A case example that was cited in the information I received
concerned a lady who stumbled and took a little fall at an outdoor
social function.

She assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call
paramedics) and that she had just tripped over a brick because of her
new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food.
While she appeared a bit shaken up, she went about enjoying herself
the rest of the evening.

Diagnosed too late

The lady's husband called friends later and said that his wife had
been taken to the hospital and had passed away. She had suffered a
stroke at the gathering.

Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps she
would be alive today. Some people don't die from strokes, but they
often end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

Stroke reversed?

The information quoted a neurologist who said if he can get to a
stroke victim within three hours he can reverse the effects of a
stroke. He said the trick is getting a stroke recognized and
diagnosed, then getting the patient medically cared for within three
hours. This part may or may not be true in all cases, but certainly
it could go a long way in successfully recovering or surviving the
effects of a stroke.

S T R

The three key elements to remember for a person that may be having
a stroke are: S T R.

If you see someone who may be experiencing symptoms of a stroke:

- Ask them to smile for you (S).

- Ask them to talk to you, say a simple sentence (T).

- Ask them to raise both their arms (R).

Call 911 immediately if the person has difficulty responding to
any of the three questions.

Artery blockage

I recall my dad, at an advanced age, was diagnosed with and
treated for blockage of the artery leading to his brain, which may
have saved him from a stroke. I believe this can be detected by a
medical professional when they listen to sound in the artery in your
neck where the blockage can occur. I'm happy to say my dad lived for
quite some years after this treatment, and did not suffer from a
stroke.

Smile, Talk, Raise

Remember the Smile, Talk, and Raise both arms questions, and you
might save someone from death or from suffering the consequences of a
stroke.

Share-A-Ride

Don't forget to call or stop by my office with your VA health care
appointments for the Share-A-Ride ( program. Help a fellow veteran
who may be going in the same direction to the same VA facility.

Give me a call if you can provide transportation or need
transportation. I will keep a calendar of who is going where to
coordinate this important program.

Durango VA Clinic

The Durango VA Outpatient Clinic is located at 400 South Camino
Del Rio, Suite G, (next to Big 5 Sports). Phone number is 247-2214.
Albuquerque VAMC phone number is (800) 465-8262.

Further information

For information on these and other veterans benefits' call or stop
by the Archuleta County Veterans Service Office located at 46 Eaton
Drive, Suite 7 (behind City Market). The office number is 731-3837,
the fax number is 731-3879, cell number is 946-6648, and e-mail is
afautheree@archuletacounty.org. The office is open from 8 to 4 Monday
through Friday. Bring your DD Form 214 (Discharge) for application
for VA programs, and for filing in the VSO office.

Library News

Donations, new programs
highlight start of summer

By Christine Eleanor Anderson

PREVIEW Columnist

We have started the summer with some lovely
gifts from our patrons.

Windsor Chacey delighted all of us by
finding "le petit prince" when she cleaned her closets. The little
prince doll she gave us looks exactly like the one on the front of
the library copy of Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince." The little
guy is now ensconced in the children's room.

Kingsbury and Charity Pitcher, Hannah and
Michael Kuhn, and Barbara Mason also were very generous to the
library with gifts that will be used for furniture or equipment. And,
Albert and Elsbeth Schnell made an appreciated donation in memory of
Jamie Maki.

We have also been receiving a lot of
wonderful book, audio, video and game donations, some to be added to
the collection, some for the book sale.

A few more Knights of Sisson could sign up
for the Internet Chess Club. Contact David Bright for details at
david76sr71jem@yahoo.com. A yahoo account is needed for participation
in this activity.

Summer Volunteer
orientation

We had a nice turnout for the Summer
Volunteer orientation.

If you missed it, please feel free to come
to the library and sign up any time. We are working to give
interesting projects to everyone who is generous enough to volunteer.

If you filled out a form for work this year
and have not been contacted, please be patient with us. The library
may not yet have gotten to the right project for your interest as
indicated on the volunteer form.

Pagosa Pretenders

We are in for a treat!

The middle school and high school students
attending drama camp are coming to the library to perform at 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 10. Come join us for this entertainment event for all
ages.

Summer reading for
kids

Our summer reading program, " Paws, Claws,
Scales and Tales," starts June 27. Sign-up sheets and packets are
available at the library desk.

Language conversation groups

Several of our patrons have indicated an
interest in library "conversation groups" for adults to work on their
foreign language skills. We have sign-up sheets at the front desk and
are looking for facilitators to lead the sessions. French and Spanish
groups are at the forefront.

If you are interested in other languages,
like German or Italian, let us know and we will try to help get the
meetings moving.

The library is acquiring some appropriate
materials in foreign languages, both in print and audio format. Due
to high demand for these materials, we will be instituting some
check-out restrictions so that everyone can be served.

Summer listening for
adults

More great books on CD came in last week and
are available for your pleasure.

In the category of historical fiction we
have "The Mercury Visions of Louis Daguerre," a reinvention of the
life of the artist and physicist Louis Daguerre, the inventor of the
daguerrotype process. The book recreates Paris in 1849, 10 years
after his invention took the world by storm, and imagines the
disintegration of Daguerre into madness caused by exposure to
mercury, an agent used in his successful process. This work is a
thoughtful tracing of the birth of a new art form.

National Book Award finalist Lily Tuck
reports "The News From Paraguay," blending fact and fiction in a
sweeping romance between an Irish beauty and a man destined to become
a dictator of Paraguay. This work also starts in Paris at mid-19th
century and follows the characters to revolution in South America.
The last disc in the set commences with a U.S. congressional hearing
about America's involvement in overturning a foreign government. La
plus ca change Š

Also fun is "1,000 White Women," Jim Fergus'
book.

At an 1854 peace conference, Cheyenne Chief
Little Wolf requested 1,000 white women as brides for his warriors.
This fiction imagines what would have happened had the "Brides for
Indians" program, intended to assimilate the Indians into white
culture, actually taken place.

For other tastes, we have " Tyrannosaur
Canyon," a blood and gore Crichton-like thriller; a new western,
"Justice of the Mountain Man"; and "The Jesus Papers" by Michael
Baigent, the author who just sued Dan Brown of "Da Vinci Code" fame
for copyright violation (Baigent lost, in case you didn't follow the
matter).

Take your library with you wherever you go
this summer.

Pagosa Reads

'The Hungry Ocean' - riveting
adventure often reads like poetry

By Carole Howard

Special to The PREVIEW

"The Hungry Ocean", by Linda Greenlaw.
Hyperion, New York, 1999.

You probably remember "The Perfect Storm,"
Sebastian Junger's No. 1 best-seller that became an award-winning
movie and proved yet again that the best stories are true stories.
What you may not remember is that in his book Junger describes Linda
Greenlaw as "one of the best sea captains, period, on the East
Coast."

Greenlaw's own book, titled "The Hungry
Ocean" from a line in Shakespeare's Sonnet 64, not only demonstrates
her prowess on the open ocean but also her mastery of the English
language.

First off, though, let's abuse ourselves of
any notion that this is a woman's book, just because it is written by
one. Greenlaw's book is, plain and simple, a riveting adventure story
that often reads like poetry - especially when she is describing the
beauty and power of the sea. It will be enjoyed by everyone who loves
first-rate non-fiction.

In media interviews and her own notes,
Greenlaw makes it clear that she thinks it is "no big deal" to be
probably the world's only female swordfish captain. She points out
that the obstacles that challenge fishermen on a daily basis are
ignorant of gender, and whatever respect she's garnered came the
old-fashioned way - she earned it. It's obvious from the tales in
this book that Greenlaw's high expectations for her crew are exceeded
only by what she expects from herself. But she's also willing to
admit that her crew probably works hard because "no self-respecting
fisherman will allow himself to be outworked by a woman."

"The Hungry Ocean" covers a 30-day
sword-fishing voyage aboard one of the best-outfitted boats on the
East Coast. The excitement starts even before Greenlaw and her
five-man crew leave the dock, and it doesn't stop until the last
page. Savage weather, equipment failure, too few fish and too many
sharks are just some of the dangers they contend with.

Even in the best of conditions, operating a
commercial fishing boat is a dangerous and exhausting business, and
Greenlaw's re-creation of her adventures are so vivid that you can
get tired just reading them. Similarly, her descriptions of her
five-man crew are so insightful you come to know them well - from
their remarkable seafaring talents to their arguments and the jokes
they play on one another.

Greenlaw was born in Connecticut, and raised
and educated in Maine. She is a graduate of Colby College when she
majored in English. She traces her fascination with the fishing life
to watching a lobster boat when she was 12. Starting out as a cook
and deckhand during her summer breaks from college to raise money for
her tuition, she worked her way into the captain's chair and has been
fishing commercially for more than 20 years.

In spite of her expertise in two complex and
seemingly unrelated fields - fishing and writing - Greenlaw maintains
her modesty and sense of humor. For example, when Vanity Fair did a
celebrity profile on her, she posed for the magazine's photographer
in orange rubber overalls and a threadbare denim shirt that she says
probably still smelled of bait.

She also says that the opportunity to write
her own book, a process that took 12 months, was the single biggest
challenge of her life. Readers who marvel at her frequently
terrifying adventures at sea as described in "The Hungry Ocean" will
find this an amazing claim by a fascinating woman.

Carole Howard, retired worldwide vice
president of public relations for The Reader's Digest Association in
New York, lives in Pagosa Springs where she continues to write and
speak on PR, marketing and management. Among her favorite childhood
memories is going to her local library near Vancouver, Canada, with
her parents and being allowed to choose whatever book she wanted to
read.

Pagosa Reads features book reviews of all
kinds of books from the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, reviewed by
local readers Š just like you. If you would like to review a book and
share it in this PREVIEW column, contact Christine Anderson, library
director, at 264-2208.

The Wine Whisperer

Don't be hurried: Scotch rocks,
and Dad

By Laura Winzeler

PREVIES Columnist

I am so not a Scotch drinker. I have never
suffered one moment's temptation to learn to appreciate the spirit.
I'm a wino, pure and simple.

Several years ago I posted a portfolio of
over 200 wine reviews on a pay-per-click Web site. I co-created what
came to be known as Wine Write Offs: a group of reviewers would
sample identical wines and upload their perceptions as simultaneously
as possible. It was great fun, this cyber tasting panel.

A Single Malt Scotch Sip Off was inevitable.
I was the only woman who participated with a group of six men. A girl
could not have asked for a more supportive first-time single malt
experience. The men were very practiced and knowledgeable in all
things Scotch. They were all frequent imbibers with decades of
practice to call upon. Me? I did it for my father. My father had been
dead for four years. There are times in which I think of him and miss
his annoyingly practical advice more than others. This period was one
such passage.

Should you ask me to reel off a list of the
things he cherished most, I would quickly reply: "Golf; deep sea
fishing (albacore!); writing his own monthly column for Riviera
Country Club's magazine; being a West Los Angeles Realtor; Brentwood
Presbyterian Church; Don Rickles; and Scotch Whisky. (Runners up
include: artichokes; Glen Miller and His Orchestra; Bob Newhart; my
brother's little league years; and that first big job I landed fresh
out of college with Blue Cross of California.)

I believed that perhaps by dipping my
writer's toe into the heady Highland waters for this group review I
could invoke and petition, in some sacramental manner, the good
graces and gentle guidance of my father, who art in heaven.

But where to start? How does one who knows
nothing about the designated adult beverage orient herself? Ask
people you trust for advice. After consulting two of the most
seasoned Scotchophiles on the Web site, it seemed clear that I should
procure a bottle of The Glenlivet, and the older the better - as in
past the 12-year mark.

A gal pal suggested that I visit a bar and
sample a glass of Glenlivet rather than committing to an entire
bottle in the near-certain event that I hated it. My exact words: "I
would rather flush the $55 down my toilet than sit alone in a smoky,
Pagosa bar on a Saturday afternoon, a glass of neat Scotch in front
of me." Gave "invitation for disaster" a whole new meaning.

I found the Glenlivet 12 but lo and behold,
the 18 was in stock. Trying desperately to maximize any chance in
hell that I could taste the Scotch without eliciting the gag reflex,
I forked over the big bucks, all the while thinking how many Best Buy
bottles of wine that same $55 could buy. The liquor store owner
looked stunned as he took my cash. I feared he might alert the local
press to the breaking news: Town Wino Buys Scotch. Film at 11.

I offered: "Oh, another little Taste Off on
that Web site I do all those wine reviews for", and he agreed that
the Glenlivet 18 was about as smooth as they come. Taking the
distiller's advice - "Don't be hurried" - I took the evaluating very,
very slowly.

In the wine glass the color was just
exquisite to my eye; a burnt honey, a golden amber. It was a most
warm and lush looking liquid. In the nose? My father. I simply
smelled my father. I was a young girl again and I heard the clink
clink clink of his Scotch rocks glass as he descended the stairs
after dressing for a dinner out with my mother. He golfed every
Thursday and Saturday. He came home after his 18 holes and
ritualistically readied himself for their date over Scotch rocks.
Never on a Tuesday. Never a gin and tonic.

Until I was a woman I did not know it was
possible for a man to barbecue without a glass of scotch rocks in
hand. Because I can not smell Scotch without thinking of my father it
took a long while to get past the misting eyes, the lump in throat. I
rather liked the way the alcohol tickled the little nose hairs on the
upward rise and every time I swirled and sniffed I perceived a
different set of aromas. Those that leaped out at me the loudest were
light floral notes, orange blossom, honey and faint hints of
chocolate. The more I explored, the more I found other aromas -
vanilla, resin, and a delicate spiciness reminiscent of toffee and
cloves.

Having "not hurried" for about two hours,
the moment of the first sip had arrived. There was no turning back
and no more pathetic stalling. I sipped tentatively. I broke out in
laughter. I was stunned - I liked it! Taking the tiniest of tastes, I
was struck by what a totally different sensory adventure it was from
wine. The dominant in-mouth flavors were those of honey, lemon peel
and toffee vanilla. The warmth of the whisky was shocking yet
soothing. My top lip was quivering in the heat and the back of my
throat, down into my upper chest, radiating. But it was a mellow and
rich, almost hypnotic warmth; not a burning flame to recoil from.

Ahhhhhh ... so this is what you single malt
freaks seek in these bottles? The nose deepened profoundly once the
liquid had touched the palate. With each sip I felt that my mouth and
nose were co-joined in some harmonious pas de deux of synergy and
synthesis. Once the sense of taste and sensation engaged that of eye
and nose, the circuit was complete. Add to that the caressing heat on
the lips, in the mouth, and down the throat - where had I been?

After just a few swallows my head was a
buzzin'. It was a very different buzz from wine - a gentle and smooth
buzz - a mental and muscle relaxer extraordinaire. Both brain and
body uttered a huge sigh of relief, free of the needless tensions I
burden them with daily. I wondered if I had found the secret to my
annoying bouts of insomnia. While I would not be inclined to forsake
my beloved wine grape for Scotch Whisky, I was able to fully
appreciate and understand, from the other side of the glass, those
who have a devotion and dedication to the "Water of Life".

Today, just after the 10-year anniversary of
my father's passing and the approach of Father's Day, I am still
writing about wine and I am again passing through a period in which I
sorely miss his steadying advice. I have a photo of him here, just
next to my computer - his back to the Pacific Ocean, seated barefoot
on a beach house ledge, waiting for the grill to heat.

The late afternoon sun lights him from
behind, and in his left hand - Scotch rocks.

Food for
Thought

Re What's that smell? Is it
grilling season?

By Karl Isberg

Staff Writer

Smell that?

It's unmistakable.

Burning hair.

A sure sign it's grilling season at the Isberg household.

It starts in late May.

"When are you going to take the cover off the grill?," asks Kathy.

"Grill?"

"The grill. The big metal thing out on the deck. It gets hot and
you cook on it. When are you going to start grilling?"

"Well, it's still a bit chilly for that kind of thing. There's a
nip in the air, you know?"

"It's eighty-two degrees out there right now."

"I'm getting old. We older folk have a bit of trouble regulating
our internal body temperature. Feels like its fifty to me, maybe
colder. There's a breeze blowing and you need to take wind chill into
account. Wind chill can kill a man."

"Grill something, tonight. Hear me?"

"There's no propane in the tank."

"Buy some, now."

"I've decided you can't really grill - you know, really grill -
unless it's done over charcoal. I need to find just the right kettle,
perhaps have one custom made. And I need to procure some designer
charcoal from a reclusive charcoal master in southern Missouri. This
could take a while."

"Give me a break. You refuse to use charcoal because of that
explosion back in eighty-six. You remember - when you poured an
entire can of starter fluid on the briquets and charred everything in
sight, including you and the side of the house."

"That topical cream worked wonders, didn't it?"

"Don't change the subject. The charcoal ruse isn't going to work,
Buster. Buy some propane, hook up the tank, buy some goodies and
grill them. It's darned near summer and you can't stall another day."

Rats.

Kathy loves the grill. She associates it with the camping trips of
her childhood.

Me, I'm no fan of camping trips or traditional grilling. I love
braises, things that roast. I'm big on sauces - classical sauces, not
the sugar-loaded glops that pass muster with the average barbecue
freak. I'm a bernaise kinda boy.

Plus, there's my problem with open flame. I need to be careful
around flame, even the flame in a gas grill. I admit it: I'm a
hirsute fella. I come from a long line of hairy people. If I grilled
with my shirt off, it would be like setting the local fiber fest
aflame. Fire scares me.

But, Kathy is insistent, so I comply.

I take about a half hour to figure out how to unhook the tank from
the grill and I tote it to a local gas station where it is filled
with propane. I lug the tank home, take a half hour or so to figure
out how to attach it to the grill and I fire things up.

It takes another half hour to burn the bird's nest and spider webs
from the interior of the grill and another half hour to incinerate
the crusted molé sauce on the rack, left there from a grilled
chicken molé frenzy last fall. Another thirty minutes is
squandered using a wire brush to finish the job of removing potential
pathogens from the grate.

What to cook?

I moan and groan as I entertain the thought of going to the trouble of producing something tasty on the grill, something tender and juicy  something not dried to a chalklike consistency, something not reduced to a cinder as a result of a moment's inattention.

I suffer many moments of inattention.

I ponder what would work with the traditional two-heat process,
one side of the grill at blast-furnace heat, the other side at a much
lower temperature, the food seared first on one side of the appliance
and finished off on the other.

I consider my short attention span and the agony involved if I
have to stand over the grill tending the food, unable to do what I do
best - drink and snack prior to the meal.

That's the virtue of a braise: you can start the dish, pop it in
the oven, then take a blissful, long break while the food cooks. With
a braise, there's time to indulge in snacks and beverages. Life is
good.

And, now that summer is nearly here, it's gin and tonic time. Why
waste precious moments burning the hair off my forearms when I can be
clinking cubes and squeezing limes, lying to friends and inhaling
pine pollen out on the deck?

I am struck by the lightning bolt of inspiration.

Why not combine braising and grilling?

For heaven's sake, why hadn't I thought of this before? Before all
the fire damage?

What's the point of grilling?, I ask.

To get that bit of flavorful char, of course.

But, I ask, Can't you get flavorful char on something already
cooked?

Why, yes, you can, I say.

Then, I realize I am talking to myself.

Spurred on by the now incinerated and wire-brushed molé
crust, I decide to head back that direction on the culinary map. Pork
tenderloin and molé burritos, with attendant condiments.

But, instead of producing carcinogens over the course of twenty to
thirty minutes, with pork and molé sauce exposed to the
torture of the grill. I will cook the tenderloin first, braising it
in a molé-based sauce, then finish it off on the grill.

I wash and dry a pork tenderloin, remove the silver skin, then
season it with Kosher salt and pepper.

I thinly slice a white onion and chop half a bunch of cilantro. I
mince five or six cloves of garlic.

I sear the tenderloin on all sides in olive oil in a Dutch oven
then remove it. In go the sliced onions and I cook them over medium
heat until they are translucent. In goes the garlic, a significant
wad of commercial mole paste and some chicken broth. When the mix
comes to a boil, back in goes the tenderloin and the pan is covered
and popped into a 350 oven for 90 minutes.

I take the meat out and set the sauce to reducing over medium high
heat on the stovetop, plopping in a tablespoon of chicken demi-glace
and taking care the molé does not burn. I adjust the
seasonings, adding a bit of ground Espanola red chile, and I toss in
the chopped cilantro.

I have at hand the remainder of the batch of cilantro, chopped, a
homemade pico de gallo, a simple guacamole (if I can find avocados
good for something other than breaking car windows), shredded
romaine, diced white onion, chopped tomato, shredded asadero and a
mess of nouveau refries. The beans are made with cannellini beans -
the canned variety - rinsed and simmered in chicken stock with a
touch of ground cumin, a pinch of dried oregano, a bit of smushed
garlic. When the liquid is absorbed by the beans, part of the mix is
mashed with a fork and salt, red chile powder and cracked black
pepper are added. As a finish: a glob of butter.

Ahhh Š butter.

When the sauce is thick and the condiments ready, on to the grill
goes the tenderloin and it is browned on all sides, just enough for
the added flavor. The meat is then taken to the cutting board and
sliced or, better yet, shredded. Flour tortillas are popped on the
grill until they puff slightly and the finished product is assembled
by each diner: a tortilla heaped with meat, sprinkled with goodies,
folded or rolled, and devoured.

With beer.

Lots of beer.

I figure same treatment can apply to chicken or a brisket. With a
variety of different sauce bases.

This is a reasonable way to grill.

I intend to whip up a batch of gin and tonics and proceed full
speed ahead this weekend.

There are still a few spots open for the
Basic GPS class, 7-9 p.m. Monday, July 10, at the Archuleta County
Extension office. This class is offered free of charge.

Handouts and easy-to-use instructions on how
to use the Garmin Etrex Legend will be provided. Topics will include
installing the batteries, start-up sequence, using button functions,
navigating, previewing main pages, setting the time zone, adjusting
contrast, personal settings, and marking and entering waypoints.

This class is limited to the first 16 adults
who register (no exceptions). There will be other classes offered
later this summer for those who cannot make this date.

Call Kim to reserve your spot today,
264-5931.

Nutritious and delicious
smoothies

Over the last several years, smoothies have
become increasingly popular. These thick, cold blender beverages,
made from a variety of fruits, juices or dairy products and ice are
tasty, refreshing and, if made with the right ingredients,
nutritious.

Easy to concoct with ingredients you likely
have on hand, smoothies can be a great choice for a snack or
mini-meal. And while the sky is the limit when it comes to creating a
smoothie, there are a few things you can do to maximize both
nutrition and flavor.

- For optimum flavor, start with
high-quality fresh fruit at the peak of ripeness. Always wash fruit
before adding it to your smoothie. Also, cutting fruit into either
slices or chunks before putting it into the blender will make it
easier to blend.

- When blending ice into your smoothie, it's
best to start with crushed ice or small ice cubes. If you only have
large ice cubes, place them into a strong, self-sealing plastic bag
and crush down into smaller pieces with a hammer or the bottom of a
heavy metal pan before adding to the mixture to be blended.

- For a thicker smoothie, blend in cubed or
pureed frozen fruit. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, melons,
bananas and peaches are all excellent fruits to freeze ahead for use
in smoothies. To freeze fruit, first wash it and cut it into cubes,
slices or chunks. Sprinkle light colored fruit, like bananas, with
lemon juice to help prevent them from darkening. Place the fruit in a
single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen,
pop the fruit into self-sealing plastic bags and store in the
freezer. You can also puree fresh fruit, freeze it in ice cube trays
and then store it in freezer bags.

- Frozen yogurt, sorbets and ice cream can
also be used to thicken smoothies. Though delicious additions, expect
extra calories as well.

- To lower the fat and calorie content of
your smoothie, use skim or soy milk instead of whole milk; plain,
nonfat yogurt in place of regular fruit yogurt; frozen yogurt or
sorbet rather than ice cream; and unsweetened fruit instead of
sweetened frozen fruit. For example, a basic smoothie made with 1 cup
fruit yogurt, 1 cup frozen sweetened strawberries and 1 cup ice cream
contains 740 calories compared to 290 in a smoothie made with similar
amounts of plain low-fat yogurt, unsweetened frozen fruit and fruit
sorbet.

- Boost the fiber content of smoothies by
leaving the skin on fruit and/or by adding ground flaxseed, wheat
germ or wheat bran.

- Increase the calcium content by choosing a
milk product as the smoothie's base and/or by mixing in nonfat dry
milk powder.

- For added sweetness, blend a touch of
honey or maple syrup into the smoothie. Adding half of a very ripe
banana will also make the smoothie sweeter.

- For a twist, try using flavored ice cubes.
Flavored ice cubes can be made by pouring fruit juice, tea or nectar
into ice cube trays and freezing.

- Experiment with different flavorings, such
as extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa powder. Keep in mind a little
goes a long way.

- Avoid adding raw eggs because they can
harbor Salmonella Enteritis, a disease-causing bacterium. To get the
protein eggs provide without the cholesterol or bacteria, try using
pasteurized eggs or a pasteurized egg substitute.

Pagosa Lakes News

PLPOA to host wildfire
prevention community forum

By Ming Steen

SUN Columnist

There will be a public wildfire forum at
5:30 p.m. Monday, June 12, open to anyone interested in a discussion
of the wildfire situation in the Pagosa area. The meeting will be
held at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse, 230 Port Avenue.

Chief Warren Grams of the Pagosa Fire
Protection District will discuss wildfire control protocols for the
district, the current fire danger in the county and what the
homeowner can do to prepare for a possible wildfire. The chief will
also talk about new fire equipment and capabilities of the fire
protection district.

Scott Wagner, of the U.S. Forest Service,
will give a 15-minute talk on current and future wildfire mitigation
efforts planned in the Turkey Springs area of the San Juan National
Forest. The Forest Service currently has plans for reducing wildfire
fuels in over 8,000 acres in this area during the next few years that
includes both mechanical thinning and the use of prescribed
burns.

Dan Ochocki, Colorado State Forest Service,
will discuss details about creating defensible space around the home
and other steps the homeowner can take to protect family and
property.

Larry Lynch, of the Pagosa Lakes Property
Owners Association, will present a slide show detailing fuel-thinning
work that has been done in the Pagosa Lakes area in large greenbelts
near Martinez Canyon and Dutton Draw Association over the past two
years. This project utilized a Wildland Urban Interface grant
received from the Colorado State Forest Service in 2004 and
2005.

Grams will show a 15-minute video dealing
with the Missionary Ridge fire of 2002 to end the presentations.

A short question-and-answer session will
follow and we should be done by 7 p.m.

Come to the clubhouse and learn some
important information regarding our community and the ever-present
threat of devastating wildfires.

The derby is open to anyone 16 and under,
and is free. We will start at 9 a.m. on the west side of Hatcher Lake
near the boat launch and jetty area off of Hatcher Circle. The derby
will last until noon.

At noon, we will provide hot dogs for
everyone and will then award prizes to winners in four different age
categories.

Every kid will receive a prize, and prizes
include new fishing poles, tackle boxes, reels and other
fishing-related items.

This is always a fun day for both kids and
parents. The fishing is outstanding at Hatcher Lake right now;
several hundred pounds of trout were stocked last week in addition to
the heavy April stocking.

Make sure to bring fishing poles for the
kids, as well as bait, hats and plenty of sunscreen.

Call the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners
Association office at 731-5635 for more information.

Garage sale

Please keep in mind that the fifth annual
Community Garage Sale for association members is scheduled 9 a.m.-1
p.m. for June 17 at the Pagosa Lakes Recreation Center.

If you are interested in reserving a space,
call Gloria at the administration office, 731-5635, Ext. 24. Last
year's event drew a record number of participants and a large steady
crowd.

Sue was born July 29, 1910, in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated
business school and later became the owner of a monument business
until retiring. Sue loved to bake and shared with all. She lived
happily in McAllen, Texas, for 23 years, enjoying her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Winton, twin brother
Edwin, and great-granddaughter Emma.

Sue is survived by her son Richard (Kathy) of Pagosa Springs,
grandchildren Kevin (Andrea) and Emily Hamilton, and great-grandson
Sam, all of Dallas, Texas.

There will be no services, as requested.

Marvin V. Nordyke, Sr.

Marvin V. Nordyke, Sr., 75, died Friday, June 2, 2006 at Mercy
Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colorado. A graveside service
will be held Saturday, June 10, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Cemetery
in Alva, Okla. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in
Durango.

Mr. Nordyke, Sr. was born Dec. 30, 1930, in Alva, Okla., the son
of William and Jesse Nordyke. He served in the Army during the Korean
Conflict.

He was an employee of Raytheon from 1954 to 1992 and was a member
of the Missouri Senate Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Nordyke, his sister,
Joann Kubasta, and his brother, Bill Nordyke.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association,
1280 S. Parker Road, Denver CO 80231

Eufilia Segura

Eufilia Bayola Segura, a lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, was
called by the Lord on June 5, 2006, due to a long battle with heart
failure.

Eufilia was born June 13, 1941, in Long Tree, Colo., to Delfin and
Isabel Chavez. Eufilia was a beautiful woman inside and out. She did
not know hate; she cared about everyone. No one was a stranger in her
heart.

Eufilia was very talented; her love for crochet and embroidery was
endless. She would make everybody something for their own occasions,
and did beautiful work. She dearly loved her grandkids and took great
pleasure watching them grow and succeed. Her love for old Spanish
music would always put a smile on her face when her son, Sam Maez,
would play his guitar and sing for her. She will be terribly missed
by all who knew her.

Eufilia was survived by her husband, Joe Ben Segura; three sons,
Sam Maez, Johnny Maez, Benji Segura and their families; 12
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and
nieces. She is preceded in death by one son, Eddie Maez, two
brothers, Phileberto and Manuelito, and a sister, Marie Chavez
Montoya.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 9, at La Quey Funeral
Home. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at the
First Baptist Church of Pagosa Springs, with Rev. Dan Sanders
officiating. Burial will follow at the Hilltop Cemetery. A reception
will be held in at the Segura home at 235 S. 7th Street, immediately
following services.

Margaret Daugaard

A memorial service for Margaret A. Daugaard will be held June 24,
2006, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. There will be
an 11:30 rosary and 12 p.m. memorial service, followed by lunch at
the Parish Hall. Service concludes with interment at the Archuleta
Daugaard Ranch in Coyote Park.

Walter C. Thomas

Friends of Walter C. Thomas, Jr. are invited to a memorial
service, in celebration of his life, to be held at Turkey Creek
Ranch, 8286 East U.S. 160, on Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m. A scattering
of the ashes will be held following the ceremony.

In Memoriam

In memory of Billy Lynn, Husband, Father and Friend.

I feel like I've just existed

And now it's been three years.

I don't know how I've lived and breathed

Without you being here.

I know you lived your lifetime

As short as that seems to me,

But the pain in my heart is still so great,

Yet I know your spirit is free.

At times I think I hear you

The thoughts come to my mind.

I struggle for the sound of your voice,

But your voice I cannot find.

Yet you come to me in many ways

So I know you did not die,

You want to tell me that you're close,

And to please stop asking Why.

Our lives on earth seem all too brief,

Or brief as it seems to me.

But where you are is forever,

God calls that Eternity!

We miss you still!

Love Helen and Kami Lynn and Patricia Miller

In Loving Memory of John T. Gurule

Six months have come and gone, there is not one day that we don't
miss and love you.

Gone But Not Forgotten

By Kelsey Y. Sheppard

Gone But Not Forgotten

Dedicated To Codi

You were so full of life,

Always smiling and carefree,

Life loved you being a part of it,

And I loved you being a part of me.

You could make anyone laugh,

If they were having a bad day,

No matter how sad I was,

You could take the hurt away.

Nothing could every stop you,

Or even make you fall,

You were ready to take on the world,

Ready to do it all.

But God decided he needed you,

So from this world you left,

But you took a piece of all of us,

Our hearts are what you kept.

Your seat is now empty,

And it's hard not to see your face,

But please always know this,

No one will ever take your place.

You left without a warning,

Not even saying good-bye,

And I can't seem to stop,

Asking the question why?

Nothing will ever be the same,

The halls are empty without your laughter,

But I know you're in Heaven,

Watching over us and looking after.

I didn't see this coming,

It hit me by surprise,

And when you left this world,

A small part of me died.

Your smile could brighten anyone's day,

No matter what they were going through,

And I know everyday for the rest of my life,

I'll be missing you.

Love Always,

Mom, Anita and Chris

Business
News

Chamber News

Bike tours begin an exciting
season

By Mary Jo Coulehan

SUN Columnist

Reservoir Hill will come alive a little
earlier this year with Folkwest's first production of IndieFest June
10-11.

Fond memories flood back to me of the first
years of the Four Corners Folk Festival when attendees could create a
conga line under the tent as the headline act closed the show. Now we
see throngs of people flocking to Reservoir Hill in the fall and the
musical talent also just keeps growing.

My crystal ball foresees the same success
for the new June IndieFest, produced by Dan Appenzeller and Crista
Munro. This year's guest artists include talent from the Labor Day
folk festival such as Ruthie Foster and Eileen Ivers. Female
vocalists Terri Hendrix and Eliza Gilkyson will captivate the
audience as they have at the Austin City Limits Festival. Saturday
and Sunday will be filled with music from groups such as Public
Property, Blame Sally, Brave Combo, Salasee, Clumsy Lovers and
Gandalf Murphy.

For those businesses that purchased yellow
banners last year, it's time to pull them out of the storage closet
and hang them out to welcome all the festival attendees. "Welcome
Festival Folks" signs should be waving at all the visitors to let
them know there is a festival going on. And if you have a marquee,
put up a welcome sign as well.

If you have questions, you can call Folkwest
at 731-5582. Start the musical season early this year and be on the
Hill to initiate another successful festival here in Pagosa
Springs.

Bicycle tours

The reason you will read about bicycle tours
every week until they arrive in town is there are still so many
questions out there about the upcoming events.

We will be sending information to the
restaurants so they will be prepared. For locals who would like to go
out to eat, may I suggest that you come down to the park and enjoy a
wide variety of tasty fare while listening to some free music. We are
anticipating the food establishments will be very busy on those
nights.

What nights are "those nights?"

Ride the Rockies will arrive in Pagosa
Monday, June 19, starting at about 10 a.m. The heavier arrival times
should be after noon. There will be a food booth for riders at the
high school that will be open until about 4 p.m. However, many riders
will hop on the transport van and get to their accommodations, clean
up and hit the town.

Ride the Rockies will have numerous vans
running east and west of town all day and late into the evening.
There will be Ride the Rockies bus stops and they will be marked. We
have maps available for bus riders of the routes, the lodging, the
restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, banks and laundromats as
well as the layout of the high school and Town Park where the
entertainment will take place.

Ride the Rockies participants will leave early on the 20th and head to Chama, N.M. Many of the riders do not have accommodations arranged in Chama that night, so hundreds of cyclists will return to Pagosa in the late afternoon. Once again, restaurants should be prepared for dinner as we do not have anything planned for the return riders. On both departure mornings - June 20 and 21 - there will be restaurants open early, around 5 a.m., to accommodate the cyclists for breakfast.

Town Park and the adjacent athletic field
will be filled with food booths sponsored by non-profit agencies, a
beer garden, a live remote provided by KWUF, and free live music from
3 to 9 p.m. June 19. At that time, Ride the Rockies will announce the
Pagosa Springs winner of a $5,000 grant. Ride the Rockies awards a
$5,000 grant to an agency that works with youth or children in each
community it visits. Application forms were handed out several months
ago.

In addition, we are pleased to have New
Belgium Brewing (Fat Tire) sponsor the beer for this year's ride. New
Belgium was excited to hear we have arranged for recycling at Town
Park and the high school. They ask that food vendors try to use paper
products, not Styrofoam, except for hot drinks or hot food items. New
Belgium will provide the headline band, Mama's Cookin', as the
evening's closing entertainment. Our own Hot Strings are also in town
and will be there to get the evening rockin'.

Saturday, June 24, will see another group of
cyclists pull into town - The Bicycle Tour of Colorado.

This will be a different event for BTC, as
it has never started the tour this far from the Front Range and it
has never started and ended the tour in the same town. We are the
guinea pig this year and we want to show them how well their tour can
be run.

BTC attendees will start arriving in Pagosa
as early as June 22-23. Most riders will arrive June 24. Again, the
Pagosa Springs High School will house registration, camping, showers
and bicycle storage. Town Park will play host to another major party
from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., this time with Tommyknocker Brewery from Idaho
Springs sponsoring the beer garden. KWUF will be on hand, there will
be more food and fun, and live music (we'll announce it officially
next week) will fill the downtown area.

The Bike Tour of Colorado will offer lots of
free giveaways, so don't miss your opportunity to score some cool
stuff. It is important to remember that riders will be arriving all
day long. They will be much more relaxed and have more time to visit
our town, and have more mobility. Be prepared: no lunch served at the
school. The cyclists will leave early June 25 for Creede, after a
breakfast provided at the high school, but many of the family and
friends will leave later in the day.

After the tour of southwestern Colorado, the
BTC returns to Pagosa Springs Saturday, July 1. The cyclists will
ride down Put Hill anywhere from 11 a.m. on. From noon to 5 p.m., BTC
will have a private barbecue and awards party at the high school and
South Pagosa Park. Many riders will stay another day or two. If they
stay, they can enjoy a barbecue dinner and dance at the fairgrounds
to kick off our Fourth of July activities.

While the amount of work involved for many
businesses in town will be taxing, these opportunities come to our
community only every four to five years, and never have they come the
same year.

We should be grateful for the immediate
business these groups will generate, as well as the residual business
in months and years to come. To make this event successful, we are in
need of a few helping hands. We need help stringing light plastic
fencing in Town Park on the June 19 and 24. The work is not hard,
there is just a lot of area to cover. We only need an hour or two of
your time.

We also need help passing out visitor
information at the high school as riders arrive at our information
booth. We need volunteers to work in two-hour shifts to direct people
to restaurants, lodging or other community establishments. If you can
help, we have volunteer T-shirts, snacks and all the water you can
drink! Contact us at the Chamber at 264-2360 to sign up. We want to
make these events fun for the whole community. Come out and enjoy the
festivities June 19 and 24.

Antique cars

If you own cars or trucks built prior to
1959, you'll soon have an opportunity to show off those machines.

With the Great Race coming to town Sunday,
July 2, we want to escort the race cars as they come into the
community. And those who don't want to drive, can park their vehicles
and show them. Give me a call at the Chamber if you would like to
display your car. The number of vehicles we have will determine what
we do. We need to make a plan, so we would like to have a number by
June 23. With this being the 90th anniversary of the opening of Wolf
Creek Pass, we want to welcome these racers to Pagosa in grand
style.

There are also sponsorship spaces available
where you can host a series of race car teams. Even if you're a car
enthusiast, you can get up close and personal with the racers. If you
own a business, this is a perfect time for you to garner some great
advertising and photo ops. What a cool opportunity for your staff
members to meet and greet the racers and do something unique over the
long Fourth of July holiday. The Chamber provides the food and drink,
and a parking slot with your business logo or name. You get to have
the fun of entertaining the drivers and you get the publicity. This
is another way to get your name out there. Call the Chamber at
264-2360 to reserve your slot. Who knows, you may get to host the
winner of the $100,000 grand prize.

Chamber members

I would like to thank all the participants
in this year's Pagosa Pride-Hanging Basket Project. Special thanks to
Ponderosa Do It Best and Mark and Wanda Crain for all the efforts in
this year's hanging basket project as we continued to increase the
number ordered. Remember to feed your plants with the fertilizer
provided and water them appropriately. We want you and your beautiful
baskets to continue to grow with the Chamber all summer long.

As for members, the one new member this week
is Sue Liescheidt and Sue's Summer Fun Horse Safety Class. Sue will
conduct her classes at 545 Oak Dr. in the Aspen Springs area. The
classes start at 10 a.m. every Saturday (except July 1) and last
until about 3 p.m. Sue provides a pancake breakfast and participants
need to bring a sack lunch and water. Horses are provided and riders
must be 8 years of age and older. The cost of the class is $53 per
session. If you are a beginning rider, young or old, this could be
your ticket to feeling more comfortable around horses and learning
all about tack, safety and having fun lessons on the horses. For more
information, give Sue a call at 799-6568.

Helping to keep Pagosa women in style, Miss
Jean's renews again this year. Moving over to the construction arena,
we welcome back Eddie Dale and Dale Construction as well as Clifford
Construction.

Welcome back, also, to Copper Coin Discount
Liquor.

And with the Fourth of July right around the
corner, we welcome the Western Heritage Event Center, dba Red Ryder
Roundup. The purpose of the Western Heritage Center is to provide an
annual three-day Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo as well as a year-round
venue for education and training for youth and equestrian events in
Archuleta County. The Western Heritage board, which has 11 members,
is dedicated to preserving the history and tradition of the American
West. This year, the Heritage Dance will be July 1, starting at 8
p.m. The rodeos will be held July 2 and 3 at 6 p.m. and on July 4 at
2 p.m. This will be a very busy Fourth of July holiday for our
community; get out there and enjoy as much as you can!

Don't forget that fire bans are in place.
Check with the Forest Service or the Chamber for specific
restrictions. Let's protect our natural playgrounds.

And speaking of playgrounds, congratulations
to the Friends of the Upper San Juan River and all the participants
for making the Celebracion del Rio San Juan successful for another
year. Thank you to all who came out to the river clean-up, to Chamber
members Canyon R.E.O. and Pagosa Outside for their generous river
trips, to Ska Brewing, and all the participating sponsors. This
festival, along with all the other events in this community, does not
happen because of one person or company; it takes a community.

People

Cards of
Thanks

Christie

I would like to give a special thanks to all my family and friends
for extending their love to my family in our time of sorrow.

Thank you, Father Esbell, Moses and family, Dennis, flowers were
beautiful. To all my wonderful friends, I love you all, so many of
you, I would fill the whole paper. Linda Love and Charity Love, you
two are always there for me. Thanks.

The family of Randy Chris Sanchez would like to thank everyone for
their cards, food and calls during our time of loss for our brother.
There were so many people who did so many different things to help
us. These people will always have a special place in our hearts.
Loretta Webster, Officer Capistrant, Julian Archuleta and family,
Pagosa Springs paramedics, Melvin Chavez, Sheila Silva, Cindy Lobato,
La Quey Funeral Home, Dennis Martinez, Deno Pacheco, Anita Gurule,
social services, Dennis and Debbie, people of Happy Camper, Randy's
boss, Joe, Jody and Rich, Andy and Della Talamante, Joseph and Kerry
Espinosa and family, Guzman and Cindy, George and Jen Espinosa and
family, Kip Strohecker, Diana at Rio Grande Bank, Frances Martinez,
Dee, Father Alvarez, Guadalupana's and please excuse us if we've
forgotten anyone else. Randy had a lot of people who loved him and we
will all miss him dearly.

The Sanchez family

Zellner

On behalf of my family and myself, I want to thank all of Pagosa
for your generosity. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love.
Now that we've been on the receiving end of charity, we have an
entirely new perspective on this act of kindness. We have been
humbled and we are so grateful for those who worked so hard on our
behalf. Our list of contributors and well wishers is too long for
this article, but you know who you are and God knows as well. It is
hard to put into words what I feel. I hope to be swinging my hammer
again in the near future and when I'm on my feet I want to pay it
forward and share with others who need a helping hand.

Our heartfelt thanks and God bless all of you!

Kirk Zellner and family

Martinez

We would like to say thank you to our friends and relatives in
Pagosa Springs and out-of-state friends and relatives for their
prayers and well wishes to Fannie Romero, Lorraine's mother, while
she was at Mercy Medical Health Center Feb. 24 to March 10 and when
she returned to ICU a week and a-half later.

Sincerely,

Frank and Lorraine Martinez

Engagement

Lynn-Brueckner

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Steed of Pagosa Springs are happy to announce
the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Cana Lynn,
to Devon Wayne Brueckner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Brueckner, also
of Pagosa Springs. The couple plan a July wedding after which they
will reside in Pagosa Springs.

Locals

Hollenbeck

Local resident Scott Hollenbeck will be ordained to the
transitional deaconate of the Episcopal Church USA Saturday, June 10,
at St. John's Cathedral in Denver. The Right Reverend Robert O'Neill
will officiate. Hollenbeck holds a Master of Divinity degree from the
Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas.

On June 18, at 10 a.m., Rev. Hollenbeck will preach and celebrate
his first Deacon's mass at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Pagosa
Springs with a reception immediately following. Members of the
community are welcome and invited to attend.

Sports Page

Pagosa gymnasts ride high at
the Wild West Round Up

By Jennifer Martin

Special to The SUN

Pagosa Gymnasts hog-tied the competition at
the Wild West Round Up Competition in Grand Junction last weekend.

Competing for the Optional A Team were
Carrie Patterson, Danielle Pajak, Gabrielle Pajak and Toni
Stoll.

Satara Vanderbeek competed at Level 5.

Eleven teams and 180 gymnasts participated
in the event.

Madelyn Davey brought home a gold medal in
the all-around for the Level 4 6-9 age group with a 36.45. She placed
first on bars, first on floor and second on beam out of the 19 girls
in her division.

Trout placed 13th in the all-around and
Hannah Rohrich placed 14th.

Zoe Rohrich placed fifth out of 11 in the
10-year-old group with a 35.20. She also placed third on vault with a
9.50.

Megan Davey placed 10th in the all-around
with a 33.35, bettering her highest score this year by over a point.

Herring placed fourth on floor and first on
vault with a 9.65. She received a special award for the highest score
of the meet with her vault score.

Blue placed 10th in the all-around out of 14
competitors.

The Level 4 group placed fourth in the team
competition.

The Optional A girls made a clean sweep in
all age divisions.

Stoll placed first in the all-around with a
35.75 in the 8-10 age division. She also placed first on floor and
vault and second on beam and bars. Carrie Patterson brought home the
silver medal in the all-around, placing first on bars and second on
floor out of seven girls.

Gabrielle Pajak took top honors in the
11-year-old group of 11 gymnasts with a 35.75. She placed first on
bars and third on vault. Danielle Pajak dominated the 12-13 group,
winning vault, bars, floor and the all-around, and placing second on
beam.

The Optional A girls were team champions,
beating the second-place team by nearly three points.

Vanderbeek was the only Level 5 competitor
for Pagosa. In her second meet of the season, she bettered her last
meet total by two points. She was eighth in her division of 14 girls
and placed fourth on bars and sixth on beam.

The team's last competition will be the
state meet July 1.

Pagosa Goldfish bring home the
gold

By Joanne Irons

Special to The SUN

The four members of the Pagosa Goldfish who qualified in May for
the statewide Special Olympics Summer Games competed in Greeley last
Saturday and brought home two gold medals and three silvers.

The four representatives from Pagosa competed against hundreds of
other Special Olympians from around the state.

George Stevens, 13, took gold in the 25-yard breaststroke.

Eighteen-year-old Nicholas Saunders brought home two silver medals
- one in the 25 freestyle and the other in the 25 backstroke.

Zachary Irons, 12, took gold in the 50 freestyle and the silver in
the 25 freestyle, missing gold by one one-hundredth of a second.

The fourth member of the Goldfish, Sydney Poole, 19, just missed
out on a medal, finishing fourth in the 25 backstroke. However, she
was honored by being the athlete chosen to recite the Special
Olympians oath during the impressive opening ceremonies in front of
the other athletes, their coaches, families, and supporters from all
over Colorado.

Law enforcement representatives from almost all of the counties
and municipalities in the state were present in impressive numbers at
the opening ceremonies. During April and May thousands of officers
throughout the state participated in "Olympic torch runs" in support
of Colorado Special Olympics. So, it was appropriate that the Olympic
flame was ignited by an officer from the host city of Greeley who
brought the torch into Nottingham Stadium at Northern Colorado
University, the host of the summer games.

Coach Dale Schwicker, who trained the team, was unable to take
part in the event due to a prior commitment. In his place, Jodi
Cromwell assumed coaching duties as well as those of chaperone and
transportation manager. Jodi, Dale, and especially the Goldfish, are
to be commended - not only for their efforts, but also for their
accomplishments.

Youth tennis program offered

A six-week summer tennis program for youth
ages 6-15 is being offered beginning June 20 at the Fairfield Tennis
Center.

Lessons are suited for beginners and kids
who have previously played tennis.

Students will receive a basic instructional
program based on the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Youth
Curriculum. Each session includes two one-hour lessons per week for
six weeks. Four hours of additional weekly practice is recommended to
reinforce the instruction and enhance learning. Cost of the program
is $100 per student, and each class must have a minimum of three
participants and not more than six. Enrollment deadline is June 16.

The USTA and Colorado Tennis Association are
promoting tennis as a life-long sport that children and adults can
enjoy while maintaining a healthy, physical lifestyle.

Racquets can be provided for those who do
not have their own equipment.

For additional information or enrollment,
visit the tennis pro Dale Schwicker at the Fairfield Pagosa Tennis
Center or call him at home in the afternoons or evenings at
731-3363.

Dates set for annual MLS soccer
camp

The Pagosa Sting Soccer Club will conduct
its 10th annual Major League Soccer Camp Aug. 7-11 at Pagosa Springs
High School.

MLS camps cater to players of all ages and
soccer abilities through the application of Kidriculum, a
child-appropriate curriculum. Program themes include: Play S.A.F.E.
(Play, Soccer, Awareness, Fun, Education) for ages 5-11, and
A.T.T.A.C.K. (Attitude, Training, Techniques, Awareness, Competition,
Knowledge) for ages 12-18.

Campers will receive an evaluation, an MLS
gift and a free companion ticket to an MLS game, in addition to an
MLS camp shirt and ball.

The Recreational Program, for 5- and
6-year-olds, will run from 9 to 10:30 each morning.

The Intermediate Program, for players 7-11
years of age, runs from 9 to noon.

The Competitive Program is for 12- to
18-year-old players and will run from 5-8 p.m.

The Extended Team Training Program takes
place from 9-noon and 5-8 p.m.

Costs are $75 for the Recreational Program,
$115 for the Intermediate and Competitive Programs and $160 for the
Team Training. Any camper enrolled by June 15 will receive a $10
discount.

The parents of any camper, or adults
intending to coach soccer in the fall, are eligible to attend a free
coaching clinic during the week.

Registration forms are available at the
parks and recreation department in Town Hall.

For more information about the camp, contact
Lindsey Kurt-Mason at 731-2458

RAAM coming through
Pagosa,volunteers needed

The Race Across America is celebrating it's
25th year with more than 160 bicycle racers riding virtually nonstop
from Oceanside, Calif., to Atlantic City, N.J., in less than 10 days.

The route is 3,043 miles long with each
racer or team climbing over 108,000 feet.

Austrian adventurer Wolfgang Fasching has
won solo RAAM and climbed Mt. Everest. "Everest is more dangerous,
but RAAM is much harder," said Fasching.

Spectators this year can meet Jure Robic,
Shanna Armstrong, Tinker Juarez, Jock Boyer and Team Beaver
Creek-Vail, and cheer on the rest of the racers

Volunteers are needed to man Pagosa's time
station.

Anyone interested in helping June 13-15 can
call Mike Adamski (970) 731-0166. For more information about the
race, go to www.raceacrossamerica.org.

Summer club volleyball program
begins

Pirate volleyball players have a number of
opportunities this summer to prepare for next fall's season.

A series of optional volleyball club
activities are planned and players are encouraged to attend if they
wish.

Throughout June, Coach Andy Rice will
provide a weight training and conditioning program at the high school
for any interested players in grades 9 to 12. The weight room at the
school will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8-9:30 a.m.

That same weight room schedule will hold
through July.

In July, open gym for all high school players will take place 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays - July 11, 18 and 25 - and Thursdays - July 6, 13, and 27. There will be open gym Aug. 8 and 10.

In August a home high school camp will take
place Aug. 1-3 from noon to 2 p.m. each day. A junior high school
camp will be held Aug. 9-11 from 8:30-11 a.m,. each day. All
returning Pirate varsity players are asked to assist.

High school-age club scrimmages are planned
against Durango and Alamosa in early August, with dates and times to
be announced.

The cost for the summer club season,
including camp, is $30. Checks can be made out to Pagosa Springs
Volleyball Club.

The high school practice season begins Aug.
14. Players can expect two-a-day sessions with morning and early
afternoon workouts for two weeks. An up-to-date physical is required
before a player can practice after Aug. 14.

For further information, contact Coach Rice
at 264-1951 or 903-9604.

Pagosa to host annual Pine Cone
Classic

By Lynne Allison

Special toThe SUN

The annual Pine Cone Classic Tournament
hosted by the Pagosa Springs Golf Club and the Pagosa Women's Golf
Association, is scheduled for July 11 and 12.

The tournament is returning to teams of four
women who play a best two-ball net and gross score format. The field
is limited to 28 four-person teams this year, and the PWGA Pine Cone
Classic committee is expecting another great turnout.

Direct inquiries and requests for
registration to Audrey Johnson at audrey4125@aol.com, or call her at
731-9811.

Eighteen players competed and enjoyed the
newly-completed tree carvings by Chad Haspels on the sixth hole of
the Pinon course. Many thanks to Chad for his impressive work, which
greatly enhances the beauty and uniqueness of the Pagosa Springs golf
course.

First-place gross was won by Truett Forrest
with a score of 75. Second place was captured by Malcom Rodger with a
score of 78, and third place went to Jake Mackensen, who lost to
Malcom Rodger in a score card playoff.

Carl Carman won first-place net with a score
of 67 by way of a score card playoff over Fred Campuzano, who came in
second also with a score of 67. Ray Henslee captured third place with
a score of 69.

Pagosa Springs
Recreation

Mandatory meeting precedes
start of adult softball season

By Tom Carosello

SUN Columnist

There is a meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in Town
Hall for all of this year's adult softball team managers.

The meeting will last about 45 minutes and
will cover topics such as scheduling, game rules and tournament
dates. All team managers in men's and coed leagues should
attend.

The coed league schedule begins Tuesday,
June 13 , at the Pagosa Springs High School sports complex and
includes the following:

- Radio Shack vs. Priority One at 5:30 p.m.
on Field 1, Snowy River Construction vs. Dionigi's at 6:50 p.m. on
Field 1 and Galles Properties vs. Aaron's Fitness at 8 p.m. on Field
1 (Old School has a bye the opening night).

The men's league schedule begins Thursday,
June 15 at the sports complex and includes the following:

- Pagosa Falcons vs. Ben Johnson/D.E.S. at
5:30 p.m. on Field 1, American Legion vs. Boss Hogg's at 5:30 p.m. on
Field 2 and MBM Construction vs. Four Corners Electronics at 6:50
p.m. on Field 1.

All players should bring their $25
registration on opening night if they have not yet paid for
participation in this year's league. Likewise, all managers should
bring their $250 team registration fee on opening night unless they
have already turned the fee in to the recreation office.

Youth baseball

Picture day for all players and coaches in
Mustang division (9- 10 age group) is Wednesday, June 14. Please make
arrangements for your child to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to
game time on this date.

The Mustang division schedule for the coming
week at Pagosa Springs High School baseball complex, Field 1,
includes the following:

- Wednesday, June 14 - Orioles vs. A's at
5:30 p.m. on Field 2, Rockies vs. Reds at 5:30 p.m. on Field 3,
Yankees vs. Angels at 6:35 p.m. on Field 2 and White Sox vs. Dodgers
at 6:35 p.m. on Field 3.

Pinto and Mustang division schedules are
available at town hall and are posted weekly on the town Web site, in
The SUN and recorded on the sports hotline, 264-6658.

Horseshoes at South Pagosa
Park

Horseshoe pitching at South Pagosa Park will
continue from 5-7 p.m. each Tuesday through September.

From beginners to experts, everyone is
welcome to play and improve.

Now is a good time to come out and sharpen
your eye for this year's county fair tournament. If there's enough
interest, we'll hold a town tournament in October.

So, remember to attend Tuesday-evening
practice and pick-up games at South Pagosa Park's horseshoe courts,
just north of the basketball courts. Come when you can.

Sports hotline

General information concerning the Pagosa
Springs Recreation Department can be obtained by calling the Pagosa
Springs Sports Hotline at 264-6658 or logging on to
townofpagosasprings.com and going to the parks and recreation
link.

All schedules and upcoming events are
updated on a weekly basis.

If you have questions or concerns, or need
additional information about any of the Pagosa Springs Recreation
Department adult or youth sports programs, call 264-4151 Ext.
232.

Editorial

Go to the house

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
Were Shakespeare's Queen here to witness the paper-thin apologetics
in this week's Letters to the Editor section, what conclusions would
she draw? That the obviously solicited elements and the red herrings
comprise a dodge? Wethinks so.

What a shame Commissioner Robin Schiro or
her allies saw fit to solicit ill-informed defenses of the noble work
done by county officials at state and national meetings - as they
"determine policy on a national level," and set their sights on lofty
matters. The uninformed quality of the defense serves the
commissioner poorly, and draws attention again to a lackluster
performance in office.

What a shame the commissioner herself saw
fit to write again, proposing a red herring defense of the
indefensible.

It puts us in mind of an alternative,
reflected in what a Texas-born friend is fond of saying: "Sometimes
it's best to take your whuppin' and go to the house." In this case,
to absorb legitimate criticism, offer mea culpas and get to the real,
day-to-day work of running Archuleta County. Without lame
excuses.

The letters from commissioners in other
counties reveal the writers were likely not informed of the
circumstances of the recent criticism of Commissioner Schiro. Or,
perhaps, they serve counties in which all is ideal, with constituents
who do not mind when elected leaders skip vitally important county
meetings to attend national conventions of ill-defined value to those
at home.

Let's not forget the point of the criticism:
A commissioner writes a letter to the editor indicating an upcoming
county meeting is "urgent," that it is the last chance residents will
have to make comments to elected officials who will then make key
decisions, that those decisions will "affect Archuleta County for
years and perhaps generations to come."

And the "People's Commissioner" does not see
fit to attend the meeting.

She notes she was already outvoted. Not the
point. The vote should have been explained at the meeting. To the
people.

She notes she would be able to listen to
public comments on tape, that it is not "humanly possible to attend
all of the meetings that somehow pertain to an issue . . ."

Not even those that could affect the county
for "years and perhaps generations to come." The "People's
Commissioner" was elected to serve, but could not be present to
listen to the people.

The "People's Commissioner" notes she pays
for her out-of-state county business trips, as if that has anything
to do with the point.

She notes she was the "only commissioner who
submitted written notes" on the subject of the meeting. As if that
excuses her responsibility to make those comments directly to those
who elected her.

The bottom line, despite the diversionary
apologetics: the "People's Commissioner" was not there for the
people.

Now that the door is open, let's add the
fact county government has been in turmoil - certainly not all the
fault of this particular commissioner. But, it is a matter that
demands attention and remediation. The departure of too many
dissatisfied, key county employees cannot be dealt with from afar.
The awful relations between elected county officials cannot be healed
at a distance.

Finally, those who cannot solve problems in
their own back yard cannot solve national and state issues.

Unlike the residents of Teller and Pitkin
counties "WE THE PEOPLE" put someone in office to deal first, and
effectively, with critical situations at home. We have plenty, and it
will take a long time to handle them.

And we expect, when officials fail, that
they take their whuppin' and go to the house. That they cease with
transparent apologetics and get to work.

Here.

If they can't, it is time to turn the task
over to someone who can.

Karl Isberg

Legacies

Shari Pierce

90 years ago

Taken from SUN files of June 9, 1916

Gertrude A. Larson made final proof on her fine O'Neal Park
homestead Saturday. She deserves unlimited credit for that dynamic
energy, hard work and stick-to-it-ive-ness displayed in securing a
title to a home. She now has a fine ranch, well improved, with a nice
little start in stock, and the lady has sure earned.

John M. Laughlin suffered a serious accident this week when one of
the pie bald outlaws at the merry-go-round pitched so furiously that
is almost dislodged its fair rider, who was not Mr. Laughlin, but a
young lady. The young lady was uninjured, but Mr. Laughlin was
severely shaken up in controlling the fractious animal. It is a shame
that the town authorities permit these traveling troupes to keep such
a dangerous brute.

75 years ago

Taken from SUN files of June 12, 1931

The Murray Filling Station on San Juan Street is again open to the
public for the summer season.

Roy L. McCullough wishes to announce to the public that beginning
Tuesday, June 16, he will re-open the Holcomb blacksmith shop, and
will be ready to handle all blacksmithing, horseshoeing and general
repair work of all kinds.

Mrs. Minnie Mote, teacher of the Deer Creek school in the Blanco
Basin, was a weekend visitor with Pagosa relatives.

Mrs. Joseph Hersch and sons returned Wednesday from Del Norte, to
which place they had accompanied Mrs. Hersch's brother, Early Wiley,
who visited here the past week.

50 years ago

Taken from SUN files of June 14, 1956

Tourists are rolling through in ever-increasing numbers and the
highways are becoming very crowded. Some of those big cars sure drop
off Put Hill when coming into town.

Business notes - A new filling station is to be erected on Put
Hill with construction next week. We understand it is a cut-rate
station. It is also rumored that there will be one on the east end of
town. Pretty soon there will be a filling station for every car.
Motels report their business as good. So do restaurants. The
alteration in the Pagosa Hotel Lobby are complete. The new addition
to Vic's Service, which is nearly as large as the rest of the
station, is nearing completion. This addition gives Vic a lot of
space for servicing larger trucks and busses.

Weather in this area has been decidedly summerlike this past week.
Temperatures are climbing, the days have been clear, and the pace of
summer activities is increasing. The week's low temperature was 35
degrees recorded Wednesday night at the official weather station.
Tuesday, June 9, the temperature climbed to 84 degrees, this year's
highest temperature.

The first Red Ryder Roundup was held July 3 and 4, 1949. Fourth of
July rodeos were held in Pagosa Springs before that time, but they
were not named the Red Ryder Roundup.

Features

More than a fair exchange

By Chuck McGuire

Staff Writer

Pagosa Springs is continually blessed with a bright and affable
society of young people, but over the past school year, four foreign
exchange students helped raise the bar.

The four attended Pagosa Springs High School as members of the
junior class. Olha Kostash from Ukraine, Slava Koshkin of Russia, and
Javier Iturriaga of Spain, all 16 years of age, came to the U.S. as
part of the Program of Academic Exchange (PAX). Ellen Griffiths, an
18-year-old student from Australia, made her way here via an exchange
program administered by Rotary International and Rotary Club of
Pagosa Springs.

PAX is a non-profit educational organization that promotes and
arranges international student exchange to foster positive
development of the world's young people, and to support international
peace, friendship and cross-cultural understanding. Participating
students are generally bright, energetic young representatives of
their native homeland.

As part of its annual PAX at Home project, the program brings
between 600 and 800 teenagers to the U.S. from 40 different countries
worldwide to attend high school for one academic year. Through a
partnership with Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), many students come
from Eurasian nations of the former Soviet Union.

To qualify for the program, students must submit to a
comprehensive interview and complete an application demonstrating
satisfactory academic performance, good health, the ability to speak
English adequate to manage in a U.S. high school, and appropriate
levels of maturity and motivation. While talented or gifted students
are certainly acceptable, solid students from mixed backgrounds,
representing a variety of social and economic levels, are the norm.

Students are typically grouped in clusters of three and placed
close to each other to more easily facilitate their management by a
PAX community coordinator. Coordinators, meanwhile, interview
potential host families to find a male or female student compatible
with their particular personalities and interests, and once selected,
a single student resides with the family for about 10 months.

While students have their own spending money and health insurance,
host families provide for their basic needs, including safety and
security, personal sleeping arrangements, a place at the table for
sharing family meals, and the love and support all teens require. In
return, students are expected to pitch in with household chores,
share in everyday family activities, and participate in volunteer
services to the benefit of host communities.

The Rotary International program works similarly in selecting
participating students, but differs somewhat in size and structure.
Each year, 8,000 students from 82 countries travel to foreign lands
in half-a-dozen different exchange plans, including long- and
short-term. Long-term visits commonly last an academic year, during
which high school students stay with three different host families
for three months each and go to school. Short-term visitors stay a
few weeks to three months, but do not attend school.

Typical of many long-term Rotary plans, those in Pagosa Springs
involve one-to-one exchanges, where a local teenager is chosen to
visit another country, while a teen from there visits Pagosa Springs.
In all plans, a designated Rotarian acts as student councilor,
assists in placing the student, and aids in youth management. Rotary
also contributes $100 a month toward the child's support.

As ambassadors of their respective homelands, all exchange
students offer Americans an inside view of their country, culture,
and ideas, while learning a great deal about life in America. Upon
returning home, most maintain lasting American friendships, and an
understanding of the values and traditions considered precious to all
Americans.

When asked about her overall experience, and as an exchange
student in Pagosa Springs, Ukraine's Olha Kostash said, "It was very
competitive in Ukraine. Nearly 7,300 people applied for the program,
and only 300 got to go to the U.S. Among other things, they stressed
leadership skills and English speaking ability."

As for her visit to Pagosa, "It was really nice and I'm really
glad I got to do it. My host family was very nice, and I enjoyed
making friends with new people and going to an American high school."

During her stay, Kostash participated in "Seussical: The Musical,"
a play put on at Pagosa Springs High School earlier this year. She
also competed on the school cross-country team, volunteered in
community clean-up activities and visited seniors at the Pine Ridge
Extended Care Center. She stayed with the Laydon family.

Russia's Slava Koshkin was a guest of the Greers, who, as he put
it, became his "second family." He said, "it was fun, because I had
siblings here. I don't have any at home."

Over the course of his nine-months here, Koshkin particularly
enjoyed the mountains. "I learned to ski and by the end of the
season, I could ski blacks," he said. "We don't have mountains at
home. I really liked Chimney Rock, Mesa Verde and Bandelier (National
Monument in New Mexico)."

Koshkin said he enjoyed school in Pagosa Springs, though it was
quite different from home. "We had fewer classes, but they were much
longer and easier," he said. He too, participated in track and "had a
main part in the musical ("Seussical")."

Along with Kostash, Koshkin volunteered with clean-up, visits to
Pine Ridge seniors, and walking animals at the Humane Society
shelter. In fact, in light of his shelter experiences, and a
resulting fondness for cats, the Greer family adopted one during his
visit.

While Koshkin discovered the joys of skiing Wolf Creek last
winter, Javier Iturriaga found Colorado snow more to his liking than
that of the mountains of his native Spain. Apparently, the mountains
are much smaller there, and they're three hours from home.
Consequently, as a snowboarder visiting Pagosa Springs for nine
months, Iturriaga found himself shredding the slopes of Wolf Creek at
every opportunity.

During the warmer months, he has enjoyed hiking and exploring some
of the southern San Juan's cold and crystalline rivers and streams.
Meanwhile, a neighbor has organized a recreational soccer league and,
until his return home later this month, Iturriaga plays as often as
possible.

"Colorado is beautiful," he said. "It's really nice, and I really
like the people. I am staying with a nice family (the Appenzellers)
and they are very helpful. I'm really happy I came."

When asked about the school year in Pagosa Springs, Iturriaga said
it was notably easier than in Spain. "I got good grades here, but not
as good in Spain. The teachers here are nicer and very helpful. In
Spain, they don't care as much."

Ellen Griffiths arrived in January and has attended just one
semester at Pagosa Springs High, but she too believes school is
easier here than at home in Australia. Of course, at 18, she was a
senior down under, where seasons are opposite and schedules differ.
Here in Pagosa, she was enrolled in junior-level classes.

"My senior year at home was hard," she exclaimed. "It's definitely
easier here as a junior. My classes here are extra, and I'll be
finishing in August."

Griffiths described her school experience in Pagosa Springs as
"great" so far. "I went to an all-girls school in Australia, and it's
fun meeting guys. It's really great meeting everyone here."

While visiting the U.S., Griffiths hoped to play an active roll in
sports, with a particular eye on girl's varsity basketball. But, as
an accomplished player back home, her four years of sports
eligibility were exhausted before ever making the trip. Therefore,
she participated in the only way she could - as manager for the
girl's varsity team.

"It's too bad," said Jan Pitcher, coordinator for the Rotary Club
exchange program. "I've heard she's a heck of a basketball player."

But, in the few months following her arrival here, Griffiths did
find another competitive outlet on the slopes of Wolf Creek. Over the
course of a few lessons, she quickly picked up skiing and fell in
love with the sport.

"I love skiing, and I love the mountains here," she said. "The
mountains back home are much smaller, with the highest one being
about the same elevation as Pagosa Springs."

Aside from the timing attributed to seasonal differences,
Griffiths' exchange program differs from the others in structure.
Having arrived in January, she will remain in the U.S. for 12 months,
and will stay with four different host families. By early May, she
had just moved from her first to her second family environment, and
was still adjusting to the change.

"I have an older brother at home, but so far, I've been the oldest
(child) here," she said. "It takes a little getting used to, and it's
a little hard changing families so soon, but the people have been
wonderful, so far."

Later this summer, Griffiths is looking forward to a month-long
bus trip across the U.S., which will include "lots of hiking and
camping."

Just as Pitcher oversees the Rotary Club exchange program, and has
for 12 years, Natasha Galston is the community coordinator for the
PAX plan. Having served in that capacity for six years, she has
students in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio, and many
are from the former Soviet Union. Galston is, herself, a former
exchange student, and is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia. She
has been in the U.S. for 16 years.

The school year has ended and Kostash and Koshkin have now gone
home. Iturriaga will leave soon and, of course, Griffiths will
eventually go too. In a matter of time, another group of bright young
ambassadors will grace the halls of Pagosa Springs High, and they,
too, will touch the hearts and minds of all who meet them.

And, if history is any indication, they will feel right at home
among Pagosa's young people.

Pagosa's
Past

Jicarilla Apache history: Two
sides to the story

By John Motter

We've been presenting an account of an 1849 Jicarilla Apache raid
on an Anglo wagon train near Wagon Mound, New Mexico.

Our first account was dictated by Kit Carson, one of the scouts
who ran down the offending Apaches.

Today's account is written by Veronica Velarde Tiller in her
history of the Jicarilla titled "The Jicarilla Apache, A History
1846-1970." Tiller is a Jicarilla Ph.D. and an expert on research in
Indian affairs. The second edition of her book remains in print.
Tiller's version differs markedly from that of Kit.

"The Jicarilla version of the affair told to Greiner by Chacon (a
Jicarilla leader) in 1852 was that the Utes and Apaches had
approached the White party as friends, but were driven away. Then the
fight commenced. Mrs. White and her daughter were carried away to the
Red River and held until the troop came. Chacon said that she had
been given good care and that if the Americans had sent for her
instead of attacking the camp, she would have been returned. He
confirmed that her daughter might have been killed, as he had not
heard of her since.

"The raid on the White party received wide press coverage, which
reinforced the Jicarilla's bad reputation and created both a feeling
of uneasiness throughout northern New Mexico and a demand for
revenge. The people were certain that there was a general conspiracy
among the wild tribes to attack them, especially since it appeared
that the Indians were well armed and far more familiar with the
country than the military, who had been unsuccessful in their
attempts to bring the Indians to terms."

The Jicarilla continued to rail in the vicinity of the Maxwell
Land Grant throughout the spring of 1850, according to Tiller. The
Maxwell Land Grant constituted the core of the original Jicarilla
homeland. The grant was given by the Mexican government without a
hint of asking permission from the Jicarilla or of offering to pay
them.

Between 1821 and 1846, the Mexican government awarded eight
private grants and five town grants. Included among the town grants
were Las Vegas, Anton Chico and Mora. All were taken from Jicarilla
lands without the Indian's knowledge or permission, according to
Tiller. A 1.7 million acre grant in northeastern New Mexico was made
to Carlos Beaubien and Guadalupe Miranda. This pair sold the grant to
Lucien B. Maxwell in 1847. Those first owners allowed the Jicarilla
to live on the land as they had in times past. In truth, they didn't
have the power to stop them.

And so the Jicarilla, threatened with the loss of land and
livelihood, were involved in a large number of conflicts with the new
settlers of the land. On April 5, 1850, Maxwell's herders were
harassed by a band of Jicarilla. About a month later, the results
were more serious. A combined Jicarilla-Ute war party killed 11 men
on an eastbound wagon train near Wagon Mound. The mail carried by the
wagon train was scattered over two miles, indicating a running
battle. The remains of eight bodies were scattered about, all eaten
by wolves except for three bodies in wagons.

The army's answer was to send Major Grier with a force of 78 men
to chastise the Jicarilla. Grier left the Rayado Post south of
Cimarron moving toward the Cimarron River. Two days later, they
chanced upon and killed a small band of Apaches, while at the same
time taking their horses. The Grier expedition covered some 200 miles
and accomplished one more incident similar to the incident just
described.

Because of Indian unrest and citizen pressure, the Army
established Fort Union at the juncture of the Mountain and Cimarron
branches of the Santa Fe Trail. In 1852, Cantonment Burgwin was built
10 miles south of Taos and Fort Massachusetts at the foot of Blanco
Peak in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Fort Massachusetts was soon
moved a short distance to a more defensible position and the name
changed to Fort Garland.

More next week on early Anglo/Jicarilla Apache military conflicts.

Pagosa Sky
Watch

Scorpius rules the summer sky

By James Robinson

Staff Writer

The following sun and moon data is provided
by the United States Naval Observatory.

Sunrise: 5:47 a.m.

Sunset: 8:27 p.m.

Moonrise: 5:44 p.m.

Moonset: 3:52 a.m. June 9.

Moon phase: The moon is waxing gibbous with
90 percent of the visible disk illuminated. The full moon is June 11
at 12:03 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.

With the official first day of summer
rapidly approaching, Scorpius is moving into a position of prominence
in the southern sky.

For skywatchers intent on exploring Scorpius
and its environs this weekend, the full moon will serve as a useful
guide as it makes a four-day passage through the constellation.
However, despite its advantages as a landmark, the bright moon may
obscure all but Scorpius' most prominent stars, although stargazers
who venture outdoors tonight may have the best chance of enjoying all
the constellation has to offer.

According to the mythology, Scorpius was
Orion's lethal, arachnid nemesis, and the story of their battle and
perpetual chase plays itself out every season with the setting of
Orion in late winter followed by the rising of Scorpius in early
summer. And while Orion is considered the king of winter
constellations, Scorpius rules the summer, and the two never share
the night sky.

For winter stargazers, Orion does appear
truly regal - the hunter is often seen soaring high overhead,
wielding his club and shield - whereas the scorpion rules his season
much differently. If Orion soars, then Scorpius scuttles, and for
northern hemisphere viewers, the scorpion is seen scurrying barely
above the southern horizon throughout the duration of the
season.

True to form, and beginning this evening at
about 11 p.m., the entire shape of Scorpius will appear next to the
moon and barely above the southern horizon. Depending on the amount
of moonlight, stargazers may note Scorpius lies in a particularly
rich region of the Milky Way, and the area is a treasure trove of
objects easily viewed with a small telescope. For those viewing with
the naked eye, there is still plenty to see.

Facing due south, first locate the nearly
full moon. Just above and to the right of our lunar companion lies
one of the brightest objects in our night sky - the dazzling planet,
Jupiter. Those with telescopes might want to scan the area around the
jovian giant for bright pinpoints of light marking the planet's
larger moons.

From our own moon, and peering slightly to
its left, lies the bright, burnt-orange star Antares, the alpha star
marking the heart of the constellation. Antares is a red supergiant
400 times the diameter of the sun, and is a semi-regular variable,
fluctuating between magnitudes of 0.9 and 1.2 during a period of
roughly five years. Those with telescopes might attempt resolving
Antares' magnitude 5.4 blue companion, although, moonlight might make
the endeavor difficult.

From Antares, moving up and to the right,
the constellation makes a T-shape, which depicts the scorpion's head
and claws.

At the top of the " T", and directly in line
with Antares is delta Scorpii, or Dschubba, meaning "forehead."
Dschubba is a blue-white, magnitude 1.7 star.

From Dschubba, and moving to the terminus of
the left-most arm of the "T," lies beta Scorpii, or Graffias, meaning
"claws." Graffias is not a single star, but an unrelated pair of
stars of magnitudes 2.6 and 4.9. The pair is generally easy to
discern even in small telescopes, although moonlight may make viewing
the pair difficult.

Moving to the right terminus of the T-shape,
star gazers will find Pi Scorpii. Pi Scorpii, together with Dschubba
and Graffias form an asterism called the "Crown of the
Scorpion."

From the crown, and going back down the
creature's torso past Antares, the constellation extends into a long,
distinct J-shape, much like a scorpion's curved stinger. Scorpius is
one of the few constellations that truly resembles its
namesake.

At the hook-shaped tip of the stinger lies
two stars - the magnitude 1.6, blue-white star, lambda Scorpii, also
known as Shaula, meaning "sting" - while directly to the right of
Shaula lies magnitude 2.7 Lesath. Although from Earth, the two stars
might appear as binary companions, however, they are not. In fact,
observations indicate each inhabit their own realm of space and lie
150 light years apart.

In the region around Shaula and Lesath,
stargazers equipped with binoculars or telescopes will discover a
number of double stars and open clusters. However, those viewing with
telescopes should not limit their observations just to the scorpion's
tail. In fact, the region between Antares and the "Crown of the
Scorpion" is also home to a number of double stars and globular
clusters. A star chart will prove invaluable for stargazers wanting
to make the most of their extra-Scorpius explorations.

As the weekend progresses, the moon will
inch ever closer to Scorpius, and on June 9, will appear directly to
the right of Dschubba and Pi Scorpii in the scorpion's crown.

By Saturday, look for the moon just below
and to the left of Antares. And by Sunday, June 11, the eve of the
full moon, the moon will have progressed farther southward, moving to
the left, and just above the scorpion's hooked tail.

Skywatchers may note that Sunday's full moon
will be hovering quite low on the horizon, and in fact, the moon is
at its southernmost point in our sky until 2024.